Prices and initial details of the all-new Holden Equinox have been announced for Australia, ahead of its market arrival scheduled to take place in December.
This is essentially the replacement to the Holden Captiva 5, coming over from the US as a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Equinox. It’s looking to compete with the likes of the top-selling Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, which means it will have its work cut out over the coming months.
In Australia the Equinox will be available in four main trim levels, spanning from the LS and LS+, the LT, the LTZ, to the top LTZ-V. All come powered by a turbocharged engine matching to a six-speed auto or a nine-speed automatic, aside from the LS which is also available with a manual option.
More specifically, buyers will be offered a 1.5-litre turbo and 2.0-litre turbo, with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel set to arrive in 2018. Specific power outputs haven’t been confirmed by Holden, but in the Chevrolet version these engines produce 127kW for the 1.5, 188kW for the 2.0, and 102kW and 325Nm for the 1.6 diesel. All-wheel drive will be optional on the LTZ.
Some of the highlight features inside include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear-view camera as standard across the board, with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and blind-spot assist also available. There’s also a power tailgate, heated front and rear seats, and active noise cancellation on offer.
Holden is calling the new model a “game-changer” for the brand. With local production ceasing last month Holden will be looking strongly at ensuring it does everything it can to maintain its brand reputation. Holden executive director of sales, Michael Filazzola, said:
“Equinox is a game-changer for Holden and will undoubtedly battle it out at the top of the mid-size SUV segment. In terms of practicality, Equinox has a huge cargo space of 1798 litres when the fold-flat seats are down, a hands-free power tailgate and the one of the highest towing capacities in the segment.”
Interested buyers should enquire with their nearest Holden dealer now, as market entry is just around the corner. Prices start from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2018 Holden Equinox LS manual – $27,990
2018 Holden Equinox LS auto – $29,990
2018 Holden Equinox LS+ auto – $32,990
2018 Holden Equinox LTZ auto – $36,990
2018 Holden Equinox LTZ-V auto – $46,290
