DETROIT - The all-new 2005 Chevrolet Equinox will help redefine the compact SUV with its fresh styling and spacious, flexible interior. Equinox will help Chevy continue its truck momentum by giving it a strong new competitor in the fastest growing segment of the market, compact utilities, which has reached more than one million sales a year.

"The Equinox has unmistakable Chevy Truck DNA," said 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.

"Equinox will be the largest vehicle in its class and set new standards for compact SUV functionality," Brooks said. "Its crossover-based architecture responds to customer needs for more refinement, enhanced ride and handling and increased comfort."

Right form, right fit, right function
While most compact utilities are variations on traditional sport-utility designs, Equinox takes a fresh, memorable approach to SUV design, one that should appeal to a broad range of buyers. Its overall size and interior spaciousness provide enhanced passenger comfort and cargo capability. The vehicle is the largest in the segment, with the longest wheelbase (112.5 inches), and a wide stance (61.6 inches.) Equinox also offers flexibility and versatility not found in other vehicles, from a sliding rear seat to innovative cargo storage.

"As the compact utility segment continues its growth, consumers are demanding more than just traditional SUV functionality," Brooks said. "They want more style, more features and amenities, in a comfortably sized package."

Thoughtful, functional features
Equinox's functionality is enhanced by a number of thoughtful features. One of the most distinguishing features is the Multi-Flex rear seating, which provides flexibility for passenger comfort and cargo. The rear seat slides nearly 8 inches, which provides extra room for passengers when moved back, or additional cargo space when moved forward. A fold-flat front passenger seat, combined with a split-folding rear seat, allows the Equinox to carry extra-long cargo inside the vehicle. A height-adjustable cargo shelf, with plastic on one side and carpet on the other, doubles as a security cover and a picnic table.

Equinox also comes with abundant storage locations throughout, including a center front console with hidden storage compartments and integrated storage bins in the rear.

Standard V-6 power
The Equinox powertrain provides confident performance, genuine SUV capability and competitive fuel economy.

A Vortec 185-hp 3400 V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transaxle transmission are standard on all models. Equinox will be available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 3,500-pound towing capability is available as an option.

The innovative on-demand all-wheel-drive system delivers power to the front wheels during normal driving conditions on dry road surfaces, and delivers power to the rear wheels if front wheel slippage is detected.

Enhanced ride and handling
The foundation of the Equinox is a unitized body made of high-strength steel, which incorporates full-length frame rails and a safety cage in a single, welded unit. This approach results in an extremely strong, stiff body structure with minimum mass that provides a smooth, quiet ride. It also gives engineers a solid foundation for engineering the Equinox to meet current and anticipated safety standards.

The McPherson Strut front suspension is tuned for enhanced ride and handling characteristics, and an independent four-link rear suspension with coil springs provides confident performance on both highways and unpaved back roads.

The Equinox has vented front disc brakes with dual piston calipers, and drum brakes in the rear. A Bosch ABS system is optional.

Additional features and available options include:

Traction control

Roof rail curtain air bags

Pass Lock II - vehicle theft control

Battery run-down protection

Automatic door locks

Keyless entry control

Air conditioning

Automatic exterior lighting

Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)

A premium sound system

An MP3 player

In-dash six-CD changer

XM Satellite Radio

OnStar

Heated front seats with leather

Six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment

Redundant radio controls

Power moon roof
Equinox will begin production in early 2004 as a 2005 model, and will be built at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ont., GM's joint-venture facility with Suzuki Motor Corp.

"The Chevy Equinox carries on Chevrolet's tradition of building great sport utilities," said Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter. "We expect Equinox to extend our SUV winning streak into another hotly contested part of the SUV market."