Holden Equinox diesel pricing and specs confirmed

Holden has introduced a diesel engine to its Equinox mid-size SUV line-up, with the new model commanding a $3000 premium over equivalent petrol variants.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel motor delivers 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque and is mated exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is rated at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and braked towing capacity is claimed at 1500 kilograms.

For comparison, the current 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder option produces 127kW/275Nm and uses 6.9L per 100 kilometres.

The new engine offering is not available in the base LS grade, instead starting in the LS+ at $35,990 plus on-road costs.

Jumping up to the mid-range LT grade, the diesel-powered Equinox is priced at $39,990, while the flagship LTZ and LTZ-V variants wear a $47,290 and $49,290 pricetag respectively.

Equinox LS+ and LT variants are front-wheel-driven whereas the top-spec diesel LTZ and LTZ-V feature an all-wheel-drive system.

The addition of a diesel engine will help the Equinox mid-size SUV appeal to a wider range of customers, according to Holden executive director of marketing Kristian Aquilina.

“The new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine boasts leading efficiency while remaining so smooth and refined, you forget you’re driving a diesel,” he said.

“The turbo-diesel joins the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines currently sold in the range, meaning we’ve got an Equinox to suit every taste, and with our extended seven-year warranty, now is a great time to buy.”

Standard equipment on the LS+ includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED daytime running lights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, keyless entry and start and front foglights.

Inside, a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system is featured as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an electric park brake and cloth upholstery.

Safety technology includes forward collision warning, low-speed autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assists, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Stepping up to the LT grade adds 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, an 8.0-inch 'MyLink' touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 4.2-inch multi-information display and heated front seats.

The LTZ is distinguished by 19-inch alloy wheels, digital radio, a Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charging, park assist, a hands-free power tailgate, LED tail-lights, roof rails, chrome-accented exterior doorhandles, leather-appointed upholstery, rear heated seats and a power-adjustable driver seat.

Finally, the flagship LTZ-V features a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable passenger seat.

All models in the Equinox range are currently available with a promotional seven-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty with roadside assist.

2018 Holden Equinox diesel list pricing

Holden Equinox LS+ – automatic – $35,990
Holden Equinox LT – automatic – $39,990
Holden Equinox LTZ – automatic – $47,290
Holden Equinox LTZ-V – automatic – $49,290

Does the addition of a diesel engine offering make the Equinox more appealing? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.