The Holden Equinox, the latest addition to the brand’s new model portfolio, went on sale on December 01 with pricing starting at $35,990.
All-new Equinox is a family-friendly SUV with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, a variety of active and passive safety systems and an extensive range of trim levels.
The new range starts with an LS front-wheel-drive model with total of six frontal and side impact airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, passive entry, push button start and rear park assist with rear camera.
All models in the range also feature new active noise cancelling technology.
Additional content is added to each model throughout the range, with the LS+ getting HoldenEye Safety Technology (consisting of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert with head-up warning), as well as blind spot alert and rear cross traffic alert.
The HoldenEye is also the enabler of the driver seat alert, a new aid which vibrates either side of the driver’s seat alerting the driver of a potential collision threat. The safety alert seat uses a variety of sensors and cameras to help decide when to activate the warning.
The LT model is further distinguished by a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and a larger eight-inch touchscreen. Heated front seats, remote start, embedded sat-nav and front park assist are added to the list of features, as are one-touch folding rear seats and the inclusion of four USB charge points throughout the vehicle.
The LTZ gets 19” alloys, LED headlamps and tail lamps, hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, front and rear seat heating topped off with a Bose® premium audio system.
An LTZ-V model completes the new line-up with a two-panel panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
Available engines include a 1.6-litre diesel, a 1.5-litre petrol, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 186kW of power and 350Nm of torque – more than 60kW more powerful than its nearest competitor.
The LS and LS+ feature a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the LT, LTZ and LTZ-V all offer a slick shifting 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The three entry models to the range feature two-wheel drive, whereas all-wheel drive is standard on the two LTZ and the two higher specification LTZ-V models. The range-topping LTZ-V also enjoys the inclusion of hill-descent control.
Under the skin, Equinox models in New Zealand differ from those in North America thanks to significant engineering development work by the team at Holden Australia.
Local models feature unique suspension hardware which includes front and rear sway bars, front handling bush, front ride bush, rear lower control arm bushes and the rear toe link bush.
A different damper tune as well as EPS steering calibration also help deliver Kiwi motorists a more connected and engaging ride, all with no compromise to comfort.
Along with all other new models in the Holden range the new Equinox comes complete with three years free certified servicing, three years roadside assistance and a three year warranty.
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