I recently drove the new Holden Equinox mid-sized SUV, a five-seater that replaces the long- standing Captiva. After a week behind the wheel I came away impressed – better value and very
highly equipped in the higher grades with the 2.0-litre turbo engine and nine speed automatic a better power train to the 1.5-litre turbo and six speed auto – overall a very impressive effort from
Holden. And to be honest, it had to be because they’ve some excellent SUV competition . Equinox is good looking, a well packaged five-seater with impressive rear seat legroom with a stack of
safety and comfort elements and well-priced from $27,990. Five front-drive and three all-wheel- drive models – I tested the top-line AWD Equinox LTZ-V – at $46,290, better equipped to most
mid-sized SUV’s in its class – try a heated steering wheel and ventilated and cooled front seats.
There’s an absolute stack of passive and active safety elements in the new Holden Equinox including a five star Australian crash safety rating. Holden engineers have done a very polished
local job with the ride and handling and even on the LTZ – V’s 19-inch alloys the suspension tune is impressive. 2.0-litre turbo engine performance is very eager and best in class however economy
suffers as a result. Cabin room is also a high point, rear seat legroom and foot room in particular plus a generous boot which can accommodate a full-sized golf bag sideways. Ergonomics are good
apart from the placement of the electric park brake on the other side of the gear selector. I’m David Berthon

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