The Chevrolet Equinox has existed in the United States for more than 20 years, but only arrived in Brazil in the third generation, launched here in 2017 to replace the Captiva. Manufactured in Mexico like its predecessor, the medium SUV arrived in a single version (Premier) combining a good level of equipment with the excellent performance of the 2.0 turbo engine.
Built on the Cruze platform, the Chevrolet Equinox measures 4.65 meters long, 1.84 m wide, 1.66 m high and has a wheelbase of 2.72 m. Its cabin has space to comfortably accommodate five occupants, while the trunk has 468 liters of capacity.
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The Equinox's greatest asset, however, is under the hood. The Ecotec 2.0 turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection (inherited from the old entry-level versions of the Camaro) delivers 262 hp at 5,500 rpm and 37 kgfm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, associated with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Adaptive all-wheel drive distributes the engine's power to all four wheels according to demand, prioritizing grip and stability on slippery surfaces. However, the system can be activated by a button on the center console when facing muddy terrain, for example. The “L” mode of the automatic transmission works like a reduced gear, which guarantees more force on steeper slopes.
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Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, the Equinox uses electronic stability and traction controls, four-wheel disc brakes and a multilink rear suspension to handle the performance of the 2.0 turbo.
But, like “a horse that runs is a horse that drinks”, the Chevrolet Equinox 2.0 turbo requires a certain frequency at gas stations. Although the consumption declared by Inmetro is 8.4 km/l in the city and 10.1 km/l on the highway, the SUV exceeds 5 km/l in urban use only in very favorable situations.
The 2.0 turbo engine was maintained until 2019, when the 1.5 turbo with 172 hp and 27.8 kgfm was introduced in the 2020 line with a six-speed automatic transmission. The less powerful engine increased the acceleration time from standstill to 100 km/h to 9.2 seconds, but reduced average consumption to 9.5 km/l in the city and 11.7 km/l on the highway.
Comfortable and good to drive, the Chevrolet Equinox requires some care not to scrape the front bumper when going over speed bumps and ditches due to the ground clearance of 16 cm. The almost 13 meter turning radius can make maneuvering in tight garages a little difficult – thankfully there are front and rear sensors and a reversing camera to help with the task.
Still in 2017, the LT version was launched as a more affordable option, maintaining the Premier's mechanical package, but with front-wheel drive only. Its list of standard equipment consisted of front, side and curtain airbags; leather seats with electrical adjustments for the driver; dual-zone digital air conditioning; alert for forgotten people or objects in the rear seat; 8-inch MyLink multimedia center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; in-person key with remote start; LED headlights with automatic ignition; tire pressure alert; 18” light alloy wheels; start-stop, among other items.
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The Premier version has a list of standard equipment worthy of premium brand cars, including a panoramic sunroof; induction cell phone charger; Bose sound system; trunk lid with electric opening; emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking system (Park Assist); 19” wheels; chrome exterior finishes.
Disclosure/Chevrolet
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