Chevy Equinox

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

Chevrolet sold many of the first-generation Equinox, but let’s face it, the mid-size crossoverwas not at the top of its class in refinement or fuel economy. The plastics always seemed, well,plastic. It had a longish turning radius and every owner I ever talked to mentioned how much gaswent through its injectors. Only with recent V6 engines and an upgraded interior did the vehiclecome into its own and become a good choice among crossovers. An all-new second-generation willdebut for 2010. Judging from its appearance and other recent GM products, I suspect engineers anddesigners have learned their lessons well.

Exterior styling is equal parts Chevy Malibu, Saturn Vue, and Chevy Traverse ‘ meaning it is ahandsomely well-developed design with traditional and futuristic cues. A bold crossbar grille partswind and leads into accentuated wheel arches and bodyside character lines. The rear features largeclear lens taillamps. It would be easy to confuse the Equinox with a Lexus or Acura SUV.

Interior themes are based on Chevrolet’s historic twin-cowl design that came to vogue with thecurrent Malibu and Traverse, not to mention the Corvette. Large analog gauges, sporty three-spokesteering wheel, swooping dashboard, and contrasting dash and seat colors are a visual barrage ofstyle. Unfortunately, nobody saw fit to slide in at least a small third-row seat for tots. If youwant to haul seven passengers, you’ll have to buy the larger Traverse (an excellent choice).

Addressing fuel economy is a base 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepowerand 21/30-MPG city/highway. Up level models come with a 255-horsepower direct-injected V6 thatachieves 18/25-MPG city/hwy. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak electronic stabilitycontrol are standard. Chevrolet claims more than 500 miles of driving range with either engine.

Said Ed Peper, GM N.A. V.P. for Chevrolet, ‘At a time when customers are so concerned about thefuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers. It offers the roominess and capability of acrossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement,comfort and great value.’

We’ll have to wait until early next year to drive the new Equinox, but given the vehicles withwhich it shares a vehicle architecture (Saturn Vue) and styling (Traverse), it is sure to be lightyears ahead of its predecessor. Finally, a refined, stylish, and efficient crossover from Chevrolet. Good things are coming.

CHEVY FUEL CELL EQUINOX

By Casey Williams www.car-data.com

I have driven the future and it is very good. Recently, I had the chance to pilot one ofChevrolet’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered Equinox crossovers on a short route. From the way it drivesto how it is powered, the vehicle is like no other road-legal vehicle on earth.

This special Equinox is essentially an electric car like the much-documented EV1, but runs onelectricity generated by an on-board hydrogen fuel cell. Multiple tanks provide enough hydrogenfor a range of 150-180 miles, depending on how hard the vehicle is driven. Hydrogen is chemicallyconverted, not burned. The only emissions out of the tailpipes are water vapor. You do not chargethe batteries.

I was fortunate enough to drive the GM EV1 in the mid-90s while a college student. I rememberhow smoothly and smartly it accelerated off the line. Abundant power always seemed to appear thevery second you commanded it. Same is true of the Equinox. It has tons of torque, acceleratesmore smoothly than a Lexus LS600h, and handles like the car-based crossover it is. Even over roughroads, the wagon seemed well built and thoroughly engineered. I thought it would remind me of agraduate school science project, but found the Equinox to be a real, impressive, and most-enjoyablevehicle.

To get real life experience, 100 Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles are being loaned to driversin Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. In exchange for a three-month test drive thatincludes free hydrogen, drivers will provide GM with candid feedback about their experience withthe vehicle, preferences, and opportunities for improvement.

According to Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, “These families volunteered to be part ofsomething big. They care about the environment, and they want to help solve our nation’s energyissues. They are pioneers, and we are pleased they have joined our team.”

You want to know another reason these vehicles are important? They are proving the basicelectric drive systems that will be applied to other GM E-Flex-based vehicles, like the 2011Chevrolet Volt (although, the Volt will come with a gasoline engine to recharge the batteriesinstead of a hydrogen fuel cell). General Motors wants to be ready when distribution of hydrogenbecomes readily available. These Equinox test vehicles are still pretty exotic technology, butthey are real cars – real cars that I would love to drive every day. The future is going to be avery good place.

You’re going to love these cars!
Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell
Four-passenger, FWD,Crossover.
Powertrain: E-Flex elect sys.,
Hydrogen fuel cell.

Must-have features: No emissions!
0-60 mph: 12s

Top speed: 100 mph
Range: 150-180 miles

Base price: Forget it!