Holden Equinox replaces Captiva

Another new US-sourced SUV joins Holden’s line-up.

Stephen Ottley

03:5723 September 2016

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Holden Equinox replaces Captiva

Holden will add another American SUV to its range to replace the ageing Captiva.

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox was revealed overnight and Holden has confirmed it will add the model to its line-up in 2017. The Equinox will fill the role currently taken by the Captiva, joining the compact Trax, ute-based Trailblazer and recently confirmed GMC-sourced Acadia. The Captiva was overdue for replacement having first gone on sale in Australia in 2006.

The new Equinox features Chevrolet's latest global styling and the brand's first all-turbocharged engine line-up. The Equinox is available with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engines plus a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel.

The 1.5-litre is good for 127kW of power and 275Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre produces 188kW/353Nm and the diesel pumps out 101kW/320Nm.

The smaller petrol and diesel engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission while the 2.0-litre petrol gets a nine-speed auto. The Equinox will be available with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The Equinox is an all-new model for Chevrolet, not just an update of the previous model which was the US brand's second-best seller behind the Silverado pick-up, and it sits on new underpinnings that help it up to 180kg lighter.

"It is an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry's biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology," said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer. "And it looks great doing it."

The new model features Chevrolet's latest technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a raft of safety items. Surround view cameras, forward collision alert, low speed autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert are all available on the new Equinox.

Holden hasn't released any further information on the new Equinox, aside from confirming it will arrive in 2017, with pricing and specifications to be revealed closer to the launch.