Holden Equinox 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Holden has announced pricing and specification details for the Equinox ahead of its Australian launch next month, with the mid-size SUV set to tackle segment heavyweights like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.

Arriving as a replacement for the discontinued Captiva 5, the five-seat Equinox will be offered across five grades – LS, LS+, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V – with seven variants available from launch.

This number will expand to at least 11 when a 101kW/320Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel option – offered in all grades excluding the range-opening LS – goes on sale next year.

Holden will have some catching up to do in the segment.

For now, the Equinox will come with either a 127kW/275Nm 1.5-litre unit or a 188kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot engine, with the smaller unit to only be available in the entry-level LS and LS+, while the larger powerplant will exclusively do service in the LT, LTZ and LTZ-V grades.

Kicking off from $27,990 before on-road costs, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) LS will be paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed automatic transmission will be offered for an extra $2000.

Standard equipment will include six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric power steering, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), active noise cancellation (automatic only), 7.0-inch 'MyLink' touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and six USB ports.

The automatic-only LS+ will cost $32,990 and further add autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, 'Safety Alert' driver's seat, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, leather steering wheel and power folding side mirrors.

To be available only with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the $36,990 LT will extend the features list to 18-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch 'MyLink' touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation with live traffic, heated front seats, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, roof rack mounting points and HID headlights.

Meanwhile, the LTZ will be offered in $39,990 FWD and $44,290 adaptive all-wheel-drive (AWD) forms, with additional kit including 19-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power tailgate, LED head- and tail-lights, park assist, rain-sensing wipers, leather-appointed seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support and memory function, wireless smartphone charging, heated rear seats, roof rails, digital radio and a Bose sound system.

Stepping up to the AWD-only LTZ-V flagship will command a $46,290 cost, but increase specification levels with a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, power front-passenger seat with lumbar support and memory function, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

A 7.0-inch 'MyLink' touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and six USB ports will come as standard.

Seven paint colours will be available, with 'Summit White' a no-cost option, while 'Glory Red', 'Blue Steel', 'Son of a Gun Grey', 'Nitrate Silver', 'Pepperdust' and 'Tuxedo Black' attract a $550 premium due to their 'prestige' status.

An introductory offer will see the Equinox sold with a seven-year/175,000km warranty until December 31, as part of Holden's ongoing extended factory warranty promotion.

According to GM Holden executive director of sales Michael Filazzola, the Red Lion is confident about its latest model's prospects.

"Equinox is a game-changer for Holden and will undoubtedly battle it out at the top of the mid-size SUV segment," he said.

"Our customers are demanding more technology and more performance without sacrificing any practicality or value, and with Equinox, Holden is delivering once again."

Holden will have some catching up to do in the segment, with the CX-5 and Tucson comfortably leading the sales race this year, selling 21,360 and 20,401 units respectively to the end of October.

Will the Equinox propel Holden towards the top of the mid-size SUV segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.