Left: Reverse camera uses active turning – and long – guidelines and also cross-traffic alert on the upper models. Far left: Storage in the boot is big, with an underfloor compartment.
Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Blind Spot Alert, and a Following Distance Indicator. There is also automatic headlight high-beam dipping. Augmenting the audible warning, the driver’s seat vibrates with some of those warnings, decided by a suite of sensors and cameras. Parking assist programs and a good reversing camera with active guidelines displays on the eight-inch touch-screen, which make it easy to manoeuvre it into parking spaces – if only the turning circle was as agile, at a big and clumsy 12.7 metres; this is the same as Colorado, which itself is already larger than Ranger and Hilux.
Standard equipment upper-spec models include LED headlights and taillights to see and be seen, a hands-free power-operated tailgate that, once you’ve got the right kicking motion sussed, works great, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, wireless phone-charging, and a Bose premium audio system. The cabin has a quality feel about it, and delivers a pleasant environment for driver and passengers. Keyless entry is standard and – like the Colorado - the engine can be started remotely, or by dashboard-mounted pushbutton. Dual-zone AC is another nice touch. The MyLink infotainment system is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible,
and has Bluetooth capability, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, and embedded satellite navigation, with lots of controls on the wheel, as expected, but the volume at the fingertips of the right hand – which proves more convenient than appears. The Equinox provides Holden with a very competitive entry in the mid-sized SUV segment. It feels more modern than the Captiva it replaces, has hot-hatch performance, well-sorted handling and a nine-speed gearbox that ensures the engine is always performing at close to maximum efficiency. I enjoyed the LTZ immensely, and it’s one of the best SUVs I’ve driven recently. Holden has a winner in the Equinox.
The only low point is the big and clumsy 12.7 metre turning circle, same as the Colorado ute
SPEC CHECK 2018 Holden Equinox LTZ-V www.holden.co.nz Engine
2.0-litre turbo petrol four
Power
188kW@5500rpm
Torque
353Nm@2500-4500rpm
Gearbox
Nine-speed auto
Economy
8.4l/100km (59l tank)
Weight
1732kg
0-60/100km/h
3.6sec/7.4sec
Price
$35,990-$56,990 (tested)
Full specs
www.lcv.co.nz
Rating (/5) Verdict
12 | LCV
Highly competent & equipped