By: Cathy Droz
Detroit, Michigan - June 9-10 2009
General Motors filed bankruptcy on Monday, and I was leaving the following Tuesday for Detroit, Michigan: Motor City, Home of Motown, GM and Ford? Bill was in California with family on vacation, and I was going to Detroit alone wondering what awaited me? Would they cancel my trip to test drive the Equinox?
I was pleasantly surprised, first, with the beautiful weather in Detroit and, second, to witness the smiles and laughter in the airport. My driver was a former auto guy who sold his business in the 80’s and was retired. We did our share of “boy, has the auto business changed” routine, and then I was at my destination: the Inn at St. John’s. At first, I thought he made a mistake, for my hotel looked like a Jesuit seminary attached to a golf course. I found out later it was a Catholic school at one time and still had the most beautiful chapel separating the resort. A perfect resort for getting married, a reception and honeymoon.
I was greeted by Lori Manchester and Brian Goebel who so kindly gave me my keys to the room and the agenda for my Equinox visit. Wednesday morning’s meeting and breakfast were attended by over thirty automotive journalists and about 12 GM executives and engineers. What a pleasant surprise to listen to and be greeted by Ed Peper, the Vice President of North America, the Chevy division. Peper was funny and energized about the “new and successful GM.” He spoke briefly about the rebirth and moved on to the new 2010 Equinox. The presentation was quick, concise and full of exciting new changes to the Equinox. One of my favorite slides was Helio Castroneves, the race car driver, hugging the brand new Camaro. I knew in my mind, right then, he wasn’t the only car hugger for Chevy.
I was lucky enough to ride with Steve Bartolone (after I begged him at breakfast), the Marketing Product Director for Chevy’s SUV’s and crossovers. I was able to witness, close up and personal, all the changes and upgrades for the Equinox. Along with Steve, I drove with Tom Wilson (writer for Road and Track). We drove for miles through Hell and back. We stopped for lunch at the botanical gardens connected to Michigan State University and continued our journey for the next hour.
And now… the 2010 Equinox… Check out the new best-in-segment EPA- estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg, which is a 33% improvement over the 2009. The new 2.4L engine will probably be the choice of most customers in that segment and for good reasons.
I like all the design details both inside and out. Since Bill and I were present to personally witness the unveiling of the Malibu in Tennessee a few years ago, I was pleased to see the exterior design taking its cues from the Chevy Malibu sedan and the Traverse crossover. The Equinox is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim. The LS starting at $23,185 and up in price from there.
Other highlights of the Equinox are the more efficient Powertrain, navigation radio, 40-gig hard drive and Bluetooth capability. The MultiFlex rear seat offers greater passenger comfort and more flexible cargo options. You know it’s a Chevy immediately with the signature grille, bowtie and wraparound headlamps and tail lamps.
The improved aerodynamic performance was due to many subtle changes, but one feature included moving the base of the windshield forward about three inches for a sleeker profile. I wonder if that is part of the reason the Equinox was so quiet during our test drives.
Here is my favorite interior feature… The oversized, closed storage bin under the center armrest, which was large enough for a laptop computer or my 81/2 X 11 files folders I carry around with me.
The ice blue lighting was a plus because it went further than just the center stack; I mean, it was encircling the center-console cupholders making me feel like I was in a lounge relaxing and my drinks were lit, so I could see them in the dark.
One very obvious factor was the ANC… Active Noise Cancellation technology that was used on the 2.4 L equipped models. The engineers got it so quiet I could actually whisper with the audio system on low and be heard. It has something to do with microphones and sound waves through the audio systems speakers.
For me, it’s perfect for my empty nester lifestyle with two grandchildren I like to drive with. The cargo area was spacious, the backseats would fit adults with longer legs than Danny DaVito and on the upgraded versions, the leather seats came with French stitching which was ooh-La La.
Chevy calls the Equinox a compact crossover for all seasons and lifestyles. Chevy compares it to the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V. They were smart to have their competitor vehicles there for us to drive and compare. You sure did favor the Chevy.
I enjoyed the long drives on the freeways and the way it hugged the roads on the curves through Hell (a city in Detroit). If the 2010 Equinox can have a rebirth than so can all of General Motors.
For more information on the 2010 Equinox go to www.chevrolet.com or www.gmreinvention.com.
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