|
The all-new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover that blends
distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct
injection engine helps the Chevrolet Equinox deliver expected
best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA
certification pending) - a 25-percent improvement over the previous
model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the
efficient, 2.4L engine.
The new Chevrolet Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the
Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles,
the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and
unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice
president, Chevrolet.
The Chevrolet Equinox makes its world debut at the North American Auto
Show in Detroit next month.
"At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of
their vehicle, the Equinox delivers," said Peper. "It offers the
roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy.
Chevrolet Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with
refinement, comfort and great value."
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009. It is available in
LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are
offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve
timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:
New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower
(135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA
certification pending)
New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower
(190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA
certification pending)
Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for
less-frequent fill-ups
Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags
and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability
control and traction control
Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
"Smart" remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and
optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature
"With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses - from the
overall design to the feel of the interior," said Peper.
Design details
The design features Chevy's signature global face - the two-tier grille
and prominent gold Bowtie insignia. Strong fender shapes, a distinctive
premium roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps are
additional elements that define Equinox as a true Chevrolet, Peper said.
"The new Chevrolet Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty,
yet upscale compact crossover," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM
Global Design. "Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with
careful attention to detail."
Additional design features include:
A multi-dimensional hood and wraparound rear side glass and a
wheels-at-the-corners stance
Improved aerodynamic performance through a number of carefully designed
exterior features, including moving the base of the windshield forward
approximately three inches (75 mm) for a sleeker profile
Chevy Equinox's rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it
easier to get in and out of the vehicle. They narrow the area over which
a passenger must step, offering protection for pant legs that could
brush against dirty rockers. Also, the select use of chrome trim and
flush-fitting "exposed-edge" windshield and rear glass reinforce
Equinox's build quality and reduce wind noise.
Dimensionally, the Chevrolet Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch
wheelbase (2,857 mm), but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length
and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track that enhances the
ride and handling.
Interior amenities, storage and flexibility
Inside, the Chevrolet Equinox features attention to detail - including a
number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box; a closed storage
bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage
under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.
A "floating" center stack houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and
convenience controls. Contemporary, ice-blue ambient lighting - featured
within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console
cupholders and within the door pull cups - accentuates the cabin. The
front and rear seats, which include cloth and uplevel, perforated
leather-trimmed offerings, were developed to help deliver best-in-class
comfort.
The new Equinox retains its MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows
the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm), for the
best rear legroom in its class. With the 60/40-split-back rear seat
moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889
liters) of storage.
The Chevy Equinox's cabin is notable for its quietness. Noise-absorbing
elements are built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior.
Convenience, infotainment and connectivity
A variety of technologies are integrated in the Chevrolet Equinox, such
as an available seven-inch touch-screen navigation system. Additional
features also include:
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
USB audio connectivity
DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to
enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other
Internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios for storing audio
selections
Power, programmable rear liftgate
Rear-vision camera system, with display in the rearview mirror or in the
navigation screen
Range of premium-feature audio systems with up to eight speakers and 250
watts of output
Chassis and suspension
The 2010 Equinox is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece
body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel.
Those elements form the foundation of a solid, quiet driving experience,
according to Peper. The strong structure enabled engineers to tune the
four-wheel-independent suspension system for greater control and driver
feedback.
Standard and available features include:
Available all wheel drive
Family of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels
Fuel-saving electric power steering system
The rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel
efficiency of on 2.4L-equipped models that saves nearly 11 miles per
tank of gas, or about 572 miles per year (assuming one fill-up per
week). With the Equinox's estimated 30 mpg on the highway, the electric
power steering system saves the equivalent of approximately one tank of
gas each year.
"With the outstanding interior execution and comfort, the stunning
exterior design, numerous chassis improvements, and the connectivity to
the outside world, the new Chevrolet Equinox is the favorite ride among
our engineers," said Tim Herrick, chief engineer. "I have to pull the
keys out of their hands in order to take it for a spin myself."
|
