Holden reveals Equinox pricing

GM Holden has announced a raft of highly competitive pricing and equipment details for its all-new Equinox mid-size SUV two weeks before launch.

Likely to make it far more attractive than the near-decade-old Captiva it replaces are five equipment grades, three engines, two transmissions and a total of seven model variants.

However, only top-shelf LTZ models come with all-wheel drive, and some safety features including automatic emergency braking are not standard at base level.

While the $27,990 (plus on-road costs) starting price for the LS manual isn’t as low as that of the aged Captiva ($26,490 for the 2WD 2.4-litre manual), it undercuts the entry prices of most of its direct rivals.

They include the Nissan X-TRAIL ($28,490), Ford Escape ($28,490), Hyundai Tucson ($28,590), Mazda CX-5 ($28,690), Mitsubishi Outlander ($28,750), Kia Sportage ($28,990), Toyota RAV4 ($29,450), Renault Koleos ($29,990), Subaru Forester ($30,240), Honda CR-V ($30,690) and Volkswagen Tiguan ($31,990).

Like the base Equinox, all these models are 2WD petrol manual models, with the exception of the automatic Kia, Honda, and Renault, and the AWD Subaru.

An automatic transmission ($2000) brings the price of the Equinox LS to $29,990, while the LS+ auto costs $3000 more at $32,990 and the mid-range LT is a further $4000 pricier at $36,990.

At the top of the range are the LTZ auto ($39,990) – which further $4300 at $44,290 is available with AWD – and the top-shelf LTZ-V AWD auto ($46,290).

While a 1.6-litre diesel engine option (and Holden’s larger, seven-seat Acadia SUV) will become available in 2018, entry-level LS models are powered by a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine matched with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

From the LT variant upwards there’s a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine matched exclusively with a nine-speed automatic and, for the LTZ only, all-wheel drive.

Seven paint colours will be offered, but all except Summit White is a prestige paint, which attracts a $550 premium and includes Glory Red, Blue Steel, Son of a Gun Grey, Nitrate Silver, Pepperdust and Tuxedo Black.

On sale from December, the Equinox will be offered for a limited time with Holden’s 2017 seven-year, 175,000km warranty.

Model by model equipment details are listed below, but key safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Spot Alert.

However, these systems are not standard in base LS models.

Also available on some models is active noise cancellation, driver’s seat safety alert, heated front and rear seats, powered power tailgate and wireless phone charging.

“Equinox is a game-changer for Holden and will undoubtedly battle it out at the top of the mid-size SUV segment,” said Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Michael Filazzola.

“Our customers are demanding more technology and more performance without sacrificing any practicality or value, and with Equinox, Holden is delivering once again.

“We’ve got premium features like a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and safety alert drivers seat that gives a small vibration to warn drivers of potential hazards. Not to mention Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a rear-view camera as standard across the range.

“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.

“With the range starting at $27,990 and a launch offer including seven-year/175,000km warranty this car provides outstanding value to our customers.”

LS features:
1.5-litre turbo ECOTEC petrol engine
Six-speed automatic/manual transmission
Six airbags
17-inch alloy wheels
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Reversing camera and rear park assist
ISOFIX child seat anchorage system (x2)
60/40 split-folding rear seats
Automatic headlamps with LED DRLs
Active Noise Cancellation (auto only)
Holden MyLink Infotainment System
7.0-inch high-resolution colour touch-screen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection
Full iPod integration including Siri Eyes Free
USB input (2x front, 2 x rear)
Charge points (1 x front, 1 x rear)

LS+ features over LS:
Holden Eye forward facing camera system
Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Following Distance Indicator
Forward Collision Alert with Head-Up Warning
Side Blind Spot Alert
Safety Alert driver’s seat
Rear cross traffic alert
Automatic high beam assist
Leather steering wheel
Power folding exterior mirrors
Diesel engine option (coming 2018)

LT features over LS+:
2.0-litre turbo petrol engine
Nine-speed automatic transmission
18-inch alloy wheels
8.0-inch high-resolution colour touch-screen display
Satellite-navigation with full colour mapping, live traffic updates, traffic management control and points of interest
Heated front seats
Front parking sensors
Dual-zone climate-control
Provision for roof rack mounting
One-touch 60/40 split-folding rear seats with rear cargo release
HID headlights

LTZ features over LT:
19-inch alloy wheels
Hands-free power tailgate
Advanced park assist (automatic perpendicular and parallel parking)
Rain-sensing wipers
Leather-appointed seating
Wireless phone charging
Heated front and rear seats
Roof rails
DAB+ digital radio
LED headlights and tail-lights
Bose premium audio system
LED headlights
Power driver’s seat with lumbar and memory
Adaptive AWD system (optional)

LTZ-V features over LTZ:
Dual-panel panoramic sunroof
Heated leather steering wheel
Power passenger seat with lumbar and memory
Ventilated front seats
Adaptive AWD system (standard)

2018 Holden Equinox pricing (plus ORCs):
LS manual -- $27,990
LS auto -- $29,990
LS+ auto -- $32,990
LT auto -- $36,990
LTZ auto -- $39,990
LTZ AWD auto -- $44,290
LTZ-V auto -- $46,290