Price-leading position for Holden Equinox

HOLDEN has undercut all its mainstream mid-size SUV rivals and will introduce its crucial new Equinox from $27,990 before on-road costs when it lands in Australian showrooms in December.

Giving itself the best chance to gain a strong footing in the booming sub-$60,000 medium SUV segment that has grown 16.4 per cent to the end of October, Holden’s Equinox will battle for sales against the market-leading Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson – as well as the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander – as the Lion brand transitions to a full-time importer after the closure of its local vehicle production capabilities last month.

The Equinox launch range will encompass two petrol engines spread across six variants, starting with the range-opening LS.

Available with either a six-speed manual ($27,990) or automatic transmission ($29,990), the LS is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine producing 127kW/275Nm to the front wheels.

Standard equipment at the LS grade includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights, 7.0-inch colour touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six airbags and a reversing camera, while automatic-equipped versions also gain Active Noise Cancellation.

Moving up to the automatic-only LS+ will cost buyers $32,990, but ups safety equipment to incorporate autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, blind spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high beams, whereas equipment also gains a lift with the inclusion of a leather steering wheel and power folding side mirrors.

Mid-spec LT grades gain a more powerful 188kW/353Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot engine for $36,990, with power directed to the front axle via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

An 8.0-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, heated front seats, front parking sensors, dual zone climate control, 18-inch wheels and HID headlights are standard on LT variants.

For $39,990, LTZ-spec vehicles add 19-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power tailgate, automatic perpendicular and parallel parking capability, automatic wipers, wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, digital radio, roof rails, Bose sound system, LED head and tail-lights, and power adjustable driver’s seat.

Adaptive all-wheel drive is also an option on LTZ grades for an additional $4300.

Flagship LTZ-V versions will wear at $46,290 sticker price but also gain a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, power adjustable passenger seat, cooled front seats and adaptive all-wheel drive as standard.

Holden will also expand its powertrain offerings next year with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine being made available on all variants barring the entry-level manual LS.

While pricing and output is yet to be confirmed, international Equinox vehicles equipped with the oil-burner produce 101kW/320Nm and are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As standard across the range, the Equinox will be finished in a Summit White exterior colour, with the Glory Red, Blue Steel, Son of a Gun Grey, Nitrate Silver, Pepperdust and Tuxedo Black prestige paints incurring a $550 price premium.

All versions also feature split-fold 60:40 rear seats which can be stowed to increase boot capacity to 1798 litres and will come with Holden’s seven year/175,000km warranty until the end of the year.

Holden executive director of sales Michael Filazzola said he expects the Equinox to rise to the peak of the competitive mid-size SUV crop.

“Equinox is a game-changer for Holden and will undoubtedly battle it out at the top of the mid-size SUV segment,” he said.

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

“With the range starting at $27,990 and a launch offer including seven year/175,000km warrant this car provides outstanding value to our customers.”2017 Holden Equinox pricing*

LS FWD	$27,990
LS FWD (a)	$29,990
LS+ FWD (a)	$32,990
LT FWD (a)	$36,990
LTZ FWD (a)	$39,990
LTZ AWD (a)	$44,290
LTZ-V AWD (a)	$46,290

*Excludes on-road costs