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2010 Chevrolet Equinox First Impressions
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2010 Chevrolet Equinox First Impressions
by Justin Pritchard / Auto123.com
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Of course, the criteria list in this segment is typically capped by fuel efficiency. Answering this call, Equinox gets a secret weapon under the hood of every model: Direct Injection (DI). By fitting both the base and optional powerplants with the advanced fuel delivery technology, engineers were able to simultaneously boost power and reduce drinking.
The entry-engine is a 2.4 litre unit with 182 horsepower-- or about the same as the 3.4 litre V6 from the outgoing model. Optionally available is a new 3.0 litre direct-injected V6 with 264 ponies. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all models, and both engines get overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and extensive aluminum construction to further efficiency.
In fact, GM says that owners opting for the four-cylinder, front-drive combo will average 7.8L / 100km and a 1,150 kilometre highway range. Both figures are claimed to be class-leading among non-hybrid competitors.
It was this fuel-sipping four-cylinder, front-drive setup that took your correspondent through the countryside between Toronto's west-end to Grand Bend, Ontario.
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| The entry-engine is a 2.4 litre unit with 182 horsepower-- or about the same as the 3.4 litre V6 from the outgoing model. |
The four-banger is a worthy unit. It moves the Equinox along with adequate snap, pulls linearly, and revs eagerly, too. I found the engine notably quiet and refined at all times, and it even has a notably pleasant sound when pushed.
Equinox isn't instantly the sportiest model in its class-- though the ride is generally stable and smooth. It's quite a car-like experience, albeit for the commanding driving position. After a 6 hour trek down highways and sideroads, the steering, handling and brakes all seemed on par with most competitors.
Ditto for the interior trim and materials. Hard plastics cover the dash, console and doors. It's no better than most in the price range, but no worse, either. The cabin pulls ahead of entries like the Rav4, Forester and CRV with its chunky and three-dimensional look, use of contrasting colors and more inspiring visual execution. The blandness you'll easily find elsewhere in this market is all but missing here.
Complaints after a day with the Equinox were minor. The volume controls are mounted a bit too high on the dash, and some controls and displays may take a bit of getting used to at first.
There is one major problem to note, though. Worthy as the new Equinox may be, varying degrees of market perception about the brand mean it's going to be a tough battle. GM's hoping new and existing crossover shoppers will give the Equinox a test drive, which is all that it should take to quickly impress test-drivers.
Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard
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