| In
a field crowded with the likes of the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, Toyota Rav4,
Honda CRV, Hyundai Sante Fe, Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander -- (take a
breath) -- Chevy has its work cut out for it. Enter
the Chevrolet Equinox, new for 2005, that the company will put into production
around February. This is a new entry for GM's apple pie and baseball Amercan car
division in the bread and butter "crossover" segment all auto companies
strive to own. It's the hotly contended playing field where a success can deliver
just about the greatest volume of any production vehicle. And it's been a while
since Chevy had a major entry there to complete its SUV lineup. Remember
the compact Blazer? It's still around, but relegated to regional status in mostly
northern states leaving the spotlight on the larger, and costlier, Trailblazer.
Now it's time to address the small SUV market that was left behind, and Chevy
is putting a high priority on hitting an automotive homerun. "This
really is our entry-level SUV that completes the Chevy lineup with a high volume
entry for a very fast growing SUV market," said Margaret Brooks, marketing
director for the vehicle. Where
the Blazer's frame made it suitable for offroading and other rough stuff, the
Equinox shares the same car-type architecture as the Saturn Vue on what Chevy
calls the longest-in-class wheelbase. With the aim at more refinement, reflecting
a change in consumer attitudes, that means a quieter, more comfortable ride and
lower step-in height. Brooks,
the veteran employee on the project, calls the new Equinox "a perfect balance
of style, a perfect balance of size and comfort and a perfect balance of SUV capabiity."
It's
also a "fresh statement that does not look like anythng else on the road,"
she added. But in an increasingly crowded field that almost guarantees some near
look-alikes, an early prototype Equinox didn't appear visually extreme to a non-GM
observer. Behind
the wheel it's harder to judge. At present, the Equinox is a teaser for the motoring
press. Since it hasn't been available to drive, it's necessary to take the word
of the folks at Chevy that it will behave as promised once rubber meets the road
for testers. Brooks has mostly accolades when describing how it handles, calling
it "responsive," "on center," "very controlled"
-- and "not too heavy," when pulling into a parking space, thanks to
standard variable speed assist steering. The
185 horsepower 3400 V-6 -- the only powerplant for any trim level -- is mated
to a five-speed automatic. It's meant to boost power and add control, leaving
wimpy four cylinder engines a source of complaint with some competitive vehicle
owners. The
Equinox will come in front-wheel or on-demand all-wheel-drive for better control
in slippery conditions, with front wheel antilock braking standard on all models.
An optional towing capability will let it pull about 3,500 pounds. Pricing
hadn't been announced by press time, but Chevy promised it would be competitive
with other V-6 vehicles in the segment, which should put the base model in the
low to mid $20,000 range. But a wealth of options -- from traction assist and
side curtain airbags to heated front seats with leather, and battery run-down
assist -- could boost that price. Fuel economy also is expected to be competitive
with other six cylinder models. Chevy
is including expected amenities such as 60-40 split rear seats to allow different
cargo configurations. But it claims to stand alone wih its eight inch "Multi-Flex"
track that lets the rear seat move forward or back, allowing "cavernous"
rear leg room for someone tall. A small child can be pulled up closer to the driver.
Child seat anchors are on all three second row seats, not just one as federally
mandeated. And it's a good way to get a young seatback kicker out of range, emphasized
Brooks, who evidently has dealt with that more than once. "That
sliding rear seat is a homerun with everybody," she said. The
Equinox has cargo-side notches so a reversible tray can be posted at different
levels. It functions as a luggage privacy screen or adds extra shelving for more
items such as flats of flowers. The
front passenger seat folds down flat to allow for extra long cargo items. Its
recessed seatback surface keeps papers from sliding around if it's used as a temporary
desk. And a cargo tray under the front seat armrest adds storage space. Chevy
initially expects to sell about 100,000 a year, but that number is negotiable,
if the Equinox manages to trounce its competition as intended. "Beyond
that, we're not setting any volume targets," added Brooks. "We'll let
the market tell us the ultimate market potential."
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