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A Perfect Balance
New Chevy compact SUV aims refinement at competition

by Martha Hindes

Chevy Equinox
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 Equinox

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."

For more information on General Motors products, click here.