2004 Chevrolet Equinox

2005 CHEVY EQUINOX BRINGS BALANCE AND CHANGE TO COMPACT SUVs

Combining style, comfort and sport-utility capabilities in a perfectly balanced package, the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox lives up to its name by changing the rules of the compact SÚV market.
'Equinox' was the natural choice as the name for this all-new compact SÚV. Each March and September, the sun crosses the equator in a celestial event called the equinox, which brings a change in seasons and a balance of day and night.




To begin with, the built-in advantage of the Equinox is that it's not all that small. It has the biggest wheelbase and a wide stance, which translates to generous interior volume and passenger comfort.

Couple that with the solid structure of the Equinox, which is based on the General Motors Theta architecture, and a compact-SÚV class-busting combination of strength and comfort emerges.



The architecture helps give the Equinox its solid, controlled feel that gives drivers and passengers a sense of stability and road command. Special attention was given to minimize noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) while the handling and suspension gives the Equinox a smooth, comfortable ride.

The Equinox is available as a well-equipped LS model or a more uplevel LT. The LT has more standard equipment and a more upscale monochromatic appearance with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, body color fascias, door handles and integrated roof rails. Both models are available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD).

Refined steering and suspension
The Equinox has an electric power steering system that offers precise control and performance along with improved fuel economy. An electronic control unit that is programmed for a variety of desired performance characteristics controls an electric motor mounted adjacent to the steering column to provide the precise amount of assist needed for any given driving situation.

The steering ratio is variable so the Equinox delivers optimal stability during highway driving and low-effort ratios for easier parking.

The Equinox gets its nimble handling from the precision of its electric steering system, wider wheelbase, MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent four-link with coil spring rear suspension.

The Equinox has vented front disk brakes and rear drum brakes. An anti-lock braking system is standard on all models except LS FWD. FWD vehicles with ABS also have standard traction control.

Flexibility for passengers and cargo Special attention was paid to the design of the interior to be certain it delivered a level of quality, style and convenience unexpected in a compact SÚV. One of the most distinguishing features is a rear seat that slides 8 inches fore and aft, providing ample legroom for three fullsize adults. When rear-passenger comfort isn't needed, the Multi-Flex rear seat slides all the way forward to provide maximum cargo space.

The 60/40 split/folding rear seatback also has two recline positions. Because the rear seatback is split, the Equinox can still carry up to two rear-seat passengers and long cargo items.

In addition to the rear passenger comfort and cargo versatility offered by its Multi-Flex rear seat, Equinox also has the widest door openings in its class and a low step-in height. Taken together, Equinox provides excellent rear seat ingress and egress, making it easy to install and use child safety seats. Equinox is even capable of accommodating three child seats at one time in the rear seat.

The front passenger seat also folds flat, further extending the cargo carrying capability. Folded flat, the hard front seatback also can be used as a table or desktop.

The rear cargo area includes an adjustable panel that adjusts to three different heights for two-tier loading and makes it easy to transport items like flats of flowers. The panel features carpet on one side, and a washable plastic surface on the other, plus handy hooks to hang grocery bags. The panel also has a built-in leg that creates a convenient table for tailgate parties or picnics.

Contemporary interior with comfort and style
Satin nickel accents highlight the center stack, radio trim plate, instrument cluster gauges and door handles. The front shifter console has integrated storage pockets on both sides and a recessed area around the shifter for keeping items such as mobile phones or sunglasses handy.

Cloth seats are standard on all models, with six-way adjustable leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel available on the LT. Light gray and cashmere are the two interior color choices available, both accented with darker ebony uppers.

An armrest storage console with slide out cupholders for front passengers keeps valuables out of sight and has a coin holder. The rear portion of the console has a 12-volt outlet and slide-out cupholders for rear passengers.

A floor storage bin is located under the armrest console and between the front seats to accommodate items like a laptop, planner or backpack. This storage area also is also equipped with a power outlet.

One of the few compact SÚVs with standard V-6 Every Equinox is equipped with the General Motors 3400 3.4-liter V-6 and an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) It's one of the only compact SÚVs with a standard V-6 and five-speed automatic.

This powertrain combination gives the Equinox smooth acceleration, especially when passing, and excellent fuel economy.

The overhead valve V-6 develops 185 horsepower 210 pounds-feet of torque and zero-to-60 mph performance of less than 8.5 seconds, whether the Equinox is equipped with FWD or AWD.

The transmission features electronic control strategies that have an adaptive learning capability, so shift quality is maintained throughout the service life of the components. Shift schedules change automatically depending on load demands and operating conditions.

An innovative on-demand AWD system is available on both LS and LT models. The system delivers power to the front wheels during normal driving conditions on dry road surfaces, but if front wheel slippage is detected, power also is automatically delivered to the rear wheels.

Other features of the Equinox include:

• OnStar available on LT models.

• Standard AM/FM/CD with six speakers.

• Available six-CD changer, MP3, premium sound system, and XM Satellite Radio.

Market implications
Equinox will help Chevrolet continue its momentum by giving it a strong new competitor in the fast growing compact SÚV market. The Equinox will be built at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Start of production is in the first quarter of 2004.

The compact SÚV segment has evolved from niche to mainstream with the introduction of larger, more powerful and more upscale entries. The Equinox is significantly larger than most other compact SÚVs and delivers creative styling with unexpected features and refinements.

The compact SÚV market has wide appeal across age, lifestyle and socio-economic groups. The primary customer target includes young couples and families looking for a stylish SÚV that breaks free of traditional SÚV stereotypes.

Source - Chevrolet