What's the difference?
You might not think right now is the best time to buy a Holden, what with the announcement from General Motors about closing down its Aussie operations at the end of 2020.
That’s understandable but side-stepping around the Equinox could see you miss out on what is a practical, comfortable and safe mid-sized SUV.
You can also bet on some heavily discounted deals on the final Holdens which could see you pick up a huge bargain if you buy an Equinox.
I’ve tested the top-of-the-range Equinox LTZ-V in this review and along with taking you though its features and what the SUV is like to drive, I’ll cover what type of support you can expect to have after Holden closes down. The company has promised to take care of its customers with parts and services for at least the next decade.
Explore the 2020 Equinox LTZ-V in 3D below
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=RnCngGtbQHx
What does the Mazda CX-5 have in common with the VW Golf, Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayenne?
They all saved their respective carmakers from going under.
Keeping rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan on their toes since launching in 2012, the Japanese medium-sized SUV has wooed buyers with its styling, quality, driveability, ease and brand reputation ever since.
Now, after 14 years, five million-plus examples of essentially the same vehicle, a third-generation CX-5 has launched, and we have questions.
Like, what’s actually changed? Are the changes enough? How does it drive? And where’s the hybrid?
Keep reading for answers and more.
Overlook the Holden Equinox LTZ-V and you could miss out on a practical, spacious and value-for-money mid-sized SUV. Concerned about Holden’s exit from Australia and how this affects servicing and parts? Well Holden has assured us that it will provide servicing support for 10 years following its closure at the end of 2020. If anything, you could be picking up a bargain and one of the last cars to wear a Holden badge.
In many important and mostly pleasing ways, the third-generation CX-5 takes a confident step forward.
Bigger in the places that matter, smoother yet just as fun to drive and arguably better looking, it remains a high-quality, affordable and safe mid-sized SUV. The second-from-bottom Evolve AWD seems to be the value sweet spot.
However, the switch to a largely buttonless touchscreen interface is disappointing, as are higher entry prices, fewer model grades and no drops in fuel consumption.
Ultimately, though, the latest CX-5 reveals only half the picture, with the next and increasingly more relevant piece, the long-awaited hybrid, still up to 18 months away.
Maybe that’s the innovation that Mazda’s golden goose deserves most.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.