Holden Equinox – What you need to know

In its transformation from local maker to importer Holden refreshed its range, replacing the ageing Captiva with the Equinox SUV in five trim levels: LS, LS PLUS, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V.

Petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, front and all-wheel drive are available, so let's see which variant offers what and how they suit you.

The entry-level model in the Holden Equinox range starts with the Equinox LS. At $27,990 driveaway, base-grade variant, with its 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual transmission, features the following as standard:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Rear view camera and park assist
• Cloth black trim
• Automatic headlamps
• Seven-inch Infotainment screen

Premium paint will set you back $550 and of the seven colours on offer, just two are non-premium.

All Equinox models come equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, brake-force distribution and brake assist. You also get a rear view camera, park and hill-start assist plus set-and-forget auto-on/off headlights.

Step up to the LS PLUS and at your disposal are rear traffic and blind spot alerts, forward collision alert with 'head-up' warning, lane departure and lane keep assist, a forward facing camera and distance-following indicator to avoid tailgating, auto high-beam headlights, safety alert driver seat and autonomous emergency braking.

Move up another rung to the Equinox LT and enjoy the benefits of auto tunnel-detection headlights and front park assist.

The Equinox LTZ has the full safety arsenal at the fore, including rain-sensing wipers, advanced park assist (self parking), and automatic self-leveling headlights so you don't dazzle others when towing or loaded in the back.

All Equinox variants get Holden's MyLink infotainment system, which is displayed on a seven-inch screen in the LS and LS PLUS and an eight-inch screen in the LT, LTZ and range topping LTZ-V. Steering wheel buttons control the Bluetooth and music streaming functions as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Active noise control adds quietness to the cabin but you'll have to stump up for at least the LS PLUS to get it. But doing so scores you a leather steering wheel and power folding exterior mirrors.

And if you want the handiness of satellite navigation, open your wallet further for the LT at a minimum, but then you get heated front seats, a one-touch folding system for the rear seat, dual zone air-conditioning and, for greater night visibility, HID headlights.

Nothing beats a powered tailgate and if this is on the must-have list, shimmy over to the LTZ, with its premium leather-covered interior and superior BOSE audio system with digital radio. Wireless phone charging, a powered driver seat, heated front and back seats are all included in the LTZ along with LED head and tail lights.

Do you want adaptive all-wheel drive? Take a look at the LTZ-V and benefit from its 'outdoors' feel, thanks to a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. Cold mornings won't worry you with its heated steering wheel and heating also for the seats in both rows. The front passenger also sits in a powered seat and both front pews are ventilated for cooling when the weather gets warmer.

While all Equinox variants have LED daytime running lights the LS and LS PLUS make do with halogen headlights. Chrome roof rails and body-coloured door handles with chrome strips distinguish the LTZ, along with its 19-inch alloy wheels. The LS and LS PLUS roll on 17-inch alloys and the LT can be recognized with its 18-inch alloys and the provisions for roof racks.

An SUV it might be, but if you want all-wheel drive (AWD) for your Equinox your only choice is the Equinox LTZ-V. It is an option on the LTZ, but the LS, LS PLUS and LT variants only drive through the front wheels.

Under the bonnet of the Equinox LS and LS PLUS is a 127kW/275Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, whereas the Equinox LT, LTZ and LTZ-V get a more powerful 188kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four.

A 100kW/320Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is also available as an option in the Equinox LS PLUS, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V, and all engines incorporate idle-stop technology for added fuel efficiency.

If you like changing gears buy the LS, otherwise your choices are a six-speed automatic in the LS PLUS and a nine-speed automatic in the LT, LTZ and LTZ-V.

Driveaway prices for the Holden Equinox range are:

LS 1.5-litre petrol manual FWD – $27,990
LS 1.5-litre petrol auto FWD – $29,990
LS PLUS 1.5-litre petrol auto FWD – $31,990
LS PLUS 1.6-litre diesel auto FWD – $34,990*
LT 2.0-litre petrol auto FWD – $34,990
LT 1.6-litre diesel auto FWD – $39,990*
LTZ 2.0-litre petrol auto FWD – $39,990
LTZ 1.6-litre diesel auto AWD – $47,290*
LTZ 2.0-litre petrol auto AWD – $44,290*
LTZ-V 2.0-litre petrol auto AWD – $46,290
LTZ-V 1.6-litre diesel auto AWD – $48,990*

* Optional engine and driveline

The Equinox is a mighty leap forward over the Captiva and with one eye on the purse strings the Equinox LS Plus petrol variant hits the value sweet spot, being under 30 grand. However, if I could stretch the pennies just a bit further I would plonk myself behind the wheel of a petrol engine, front-wheel drive LTZ. The two-litre engine provides a decent step up in performance and the leather interior gives it an upmarket feel. Add to that the additional safety and driver assist technology and you've won me.