2010 Chevrolet Equinox: A Compact Crossover for All Seasons and Lifestyles - VIDEO ENHANCED
DETROIT, USA - December 22, 2008: Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the 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 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 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. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value." The 2010 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.
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Vehicle highlights include:
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 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
Interior amenities, storage and flexibility
Inside, the 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
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 Equinox, such as an available seven-inch
touch-screen navigation system. Additional features also include:
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:
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 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."