The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will finally move from its in-betweener status with the third generation of crossover. Currently, the crossover plays in the price range of compact crossovers, but stretches closer to midsize rivals.
To counter this, a new midsize crossover will be put in place, bridging the gap between Equinox and Traverse. However, today, Car and Driver has a new round of spy photos showing off the 2018 Equinox and its compact stature.
Unfortunately for our eyes, the 2018 Equinox has succumbed to a swath of camouflage still. Not many styling cues show themselves, but it’s easy to see some familiar headlamps akin to the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Another small giveaway is the intercooler in some photos, meaning at least one variant of Equinox will offer a turbocharged four-cylinder.
Inside, spy photographers captured a well-covered cabin, but it’s easy to see the Chevrolet dials and MyLink system peak through. The center touchscreen looks quite large in comparison to current models, but it could be our eyes playing tricks.
Chevrolet has been playing rapid fire in the product department, meaning the 2018 Equinox may not show face until next year with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 2016 Cruze, 2016 Volt and 2016 Camaro keeping things fresh for now. Besides, Chevrolet will likely continue to ride the sales train that is the current-generation Equinox while it can.
Comments
I think this adds a little more validity to the idea that the ‘future Cruze based Cadillac sedan’ reported in a prior article (http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/platform-code-surfaces-for-chevy-cruze-based-cadillac-sedan/) may in fact be a D2XX based compact crossover for Cadillac to slot below the XT5. It is known that the next Equinox/Terrain will shrink in size to better compete with others in the compact crossover category (Escape/CRV/Tucson).
Cadillac used a FWD/AWD platform for the XT5 so it would actually make less sense to use a RWD chassis for a vehicle smaller than their mid sized offering.
None of Cadillacs crossover competitors use a RWD chassis below midsize (ie. X1,Q5, NSX, RDX, GLA).
Incorrect. The X3 is unmistakably RWD, as it’s based on the 3 Series. You’re right about the X1, but Cadillac missed an opportunity to make a driver’s subcompact luxury CUV. The Q5 is based on the MLB platform, which is a longitudinal with a permanent rear-biased 4 wheel drive system. The GLA, like the X1, is considered subcompact.
Cadillac really shouldn’t be aiming at the NX and RDX for the compact segment. They can’t attract anywhere near the ATP and overall prestige that their German counterparts enjoy.
Agreed that the Germans automakers enjoy greater ATP’s and prestige in whichever segment they compete in but in the sub-compact crossover category I do not think that a RWD based platform is a prerequisite for success.
I do think that for a sedan it is though.
The way I look at is this:
Most luxury CUV/SUV buyers likely don’t care about driving dynamics, towing capacity, and overall powertrain, but there ARE some who do. The Germans can ask higher prices because they engineer their vehicles for people who DO care, and those benefits trickle down to the rest of the buyers.
Consider this: You’re a buyer looking for something your wife would approve. You’re moving on from a mainstream FWD/AWD CUV. You end up getting a RWD/4WD CUV, after living with it, you realize the driving dynamics, towing capability, and additional engine choices are appealing. You and your wife are so in love with it, those attributes become must-haves for your next vehicle, but most of the alternatives won’t do.
Are we going to sit here and think that just because most buyers of luxury CUVs don’t care about driving dynamics, towing characteristics, engine choices, etc., that there aren’t vehicles that would MAKE them care?
I came across this article from GM Inside News;
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/so-cadillac-mad-us-248617/
It suggests that although Cadillac is denying using the Cruze for a future sedan they are not denying using the C2XX platform for a future model.