2010 Chevrolet Equinox unveiled in USA

General Motors might be at the edge of bankruptcy, but their latest product range is easily the most competitive they’ve ever created. The latest example of this rejuvenated product line is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, which has just been unveiled.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that is simply based on the GMC Terrain, but comes with its own distinctive styling that looks uncannily attractive. The Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009 in America, which begs the question whether Chevy will even be around by then. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive.

Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Highlights include a new 182 hp 2.4-litre Ecotec direct-injected inline-4 engine which offers 9.2 litres/100 km in fuel economy, as well as a new 255 hp 3.0-litre direct-injected V6 engine offering 10.9 litres/100 km. Both cars can apparently go on for as much as 800 km between fill-ups, although that is probably overly optimistic.

Other features include six standard airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, OnStar help service and XM Satellite Radio, and a “smart” remote starting system that also activates the a/c and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature. Standard and available features include alloy wheels from 17-inch to 19-inch in size, as well as fuel-saving electric power steering.

A “floating” center stack houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Blue ambient lighting is featured within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups. The front and rear seats include cloth and perforated leather-trimmed offerings. The new Equinox has ‘MultiFlex’ rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches, for the best rear legroom in its class.

A variety of technologies are integrated in the Equinox, such as an available seven-inch touch-screen navigation system. Additional features also include Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, USB audio connectivity, DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other, internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios for storing audio selections, powered rear liftgate, rear-vision camera system, with display in the rearview mirror or in the navigation screen, and a range of premium-feature audio systems with up to eight speakers and 250 watts of output.

There is a slight chance that this model might be available in Dubai, but with the GCC-spec Chevy Captiva, GMC Terrain and Opel Antara already filling the segment, chances of this version coming here are slim.