Ready to Do Battle in the Compact SUV War
Anyone who doesn't believe the world's number one automaker is on the upswing only has to take a look at the 2005 Chevy Equinox, just arriving in showrooms. The replacement for the aging Suzuki Grand Vitara based Tracker has been completely rethought, resulting in one of the best looking small SUVs to hit the road.
"The Equinox has unmistakable Chevy Truck DNA," commented Margaret Brooks, Equinox marketing director. "Its strong stance reflects the new face of Chevrolet, and sets it apart from the rest of the compact SUV class."
Of course there's more to it than just what meets the eye. Chevy's new compact SUV offers larger interior dimensions than the outgoing Tracker, resulting in the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,858 mm (112.5 inches), plus better quality cabin materials, including soft-touch dash plastics and nicely detailed metallic trim, as well as a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement.
The latter is dubbed 'Multi-Flex' rear seating, which allows the back seat to slide up to 203 mm (8.0 inches) forward and backward, providing increase legroom for passenger when in its rearmost position and increased cargo capacity when pushed toward the front - a simple but effective solution to the passenger/cargo quandary. The flat-folding front passenger seat combines with a split-folding rear seat for stowage of long items.
As part of this functionality Equinox takes a cue from Chrysler's PT Cruiser in offering a height-adjustable cargo shelf, carpeted on one side and hard plastic on the other. It increases storage space while doubling as a partition between prying eyes and valuables, plus it transforms into a convenient picnic table when pulled out.
Anyone who doesn't believe the world's number one automaker is on the upswing only has to take a look at the 2005 Chevy Equinox, just arriving in showrooms. The replacement for the aging Suzuki Grand Vitara based Tracker has been completely rethought, resulting in one of the best looking small SUVs to hit the road.
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| The 2005 Chevy Equinox is an impressive replacement for the current aging Suzuki Grand Vitara-based Tracker. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course there's more to it than just what meets the eye. Chevy's new compact SUV offers larger interior dimensions than the outgoing Tracker, resulting in the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,858 mm (112.5 inches), plus better quality cabin materials, including soft-touch dash plastics and nicely detailed metallic trim, as well as a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement.
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| The Equinox is larger, built with better quality cabin materials and features a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement than the outgoing Tracker. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
As part of this functionality Equinox takes a cue from Chrysler's PT Cruiser in offering a height-adjustable cargo shelf, carpeted on one side and hard plastic on the other. It increases storage space while doubling as a partition between prying eyes and valuables, plus it transforms into a convenient picnic table when pulled out.