Katy Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Jan 2010: Kelly Foss Reports on New Autos for Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine

Historically, the Equinox has been trying to guard Chevrolet’s midsize SUV territory for years, but with limited success. It was a good soldier but was always on the defensive. The new Equinox is now ready to take the fight to the enemy.

It seems that GM spared no expense in developing the new Equinox. Yes, it’s part of a global platform and will be seen throughout the GM world in various other forms, but in this case, it ’s a huge benefit to the buyer. The end result is a superior vehicle at a very competitive price.

The new Equinox is a stylish SUV. There isn’t a timid line or curve on this vehicle. But what’s also important is that the attractive styling does not get in the way of the vehicle ’s functionality. This SUV is big enough to feel substantial and handle long hours of driving in comfort and safety. It ’s also nimble enough to easily be driven for hours in the city. You get the coveted elevated seating position along with its great visibility of the road, yet the vehicle is still easy to get in and out of. The Equinox is quiet, handles well and comfortable.

Like most midsize SUV’s today, this is a five-seater with a generous cargo area. The front seating is comfortable and the positioning is very good. The instrument panel is attractive and informative. The huge center stack houses optional navigation, audio, climate control and a floor- mounted gear shifter. The gauge cluster is both dramatic and functional.

The second row seating is huge and flexible. The seats slide fore and aft, recline and fold flat. The rear cargo area is large, but expands to a substantial 63 cubic feet when maximized.

The Equinox comes with either a powerful 2.4 liter four cylinder

or a 3.0 liter V-6 engine. Both are direct injected with more efficient induction and combustion, and therefore both produce more power for their size than before. Of note, the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine outputs 182 horsepower and when combined with its 6-speed automatic transmission, delivers an illusive mix of adequate power and fantastic fuel economy. This is a vehicle which has been designed to deliver better fuel economy and it does it with an EPA of 32 miles per gallon highway rating, which is unheard of in a midsize SUV. Based on my observations driving the car, it actually gets that number too! Most will buy the Equinox with the four cylinder engine but an optional V-6 is available if towing is needed.

This class of vehicle is very popular today. It is a skillful blend of car-like ride and drive, better fuel economy and a flexible interior. The new Equinox is now a highly competitive vehicle in this segment.

SUZUKI KIZASHI

Although Suzuki is as well known in this country for motorcycles as cars; in Asia, it is one of the largest automobile manufacturers.

In the U.S. market, Suzuki has offered a variety of SUV’s and some small cars but to date, nothing like the Kizashi. Kizashi in Japanese means “something great is coming.”

This new sport sedan delivers premium vehicle attributes at a surprisingly modest price. It is a midsize sedan comparable to a Volkswagen Passat or a Nissan Altima. The vehicle has a very solid and confident look and feel about it. The body structure is strong providing a good ride, excellent handling and superior occupant safety. The styling is also very attractive. The Kizashi has presence and some very interesting styling details. The

head and tail lamps are attention getters as are the chrome exhaust tips. The long, flat roof, which is also striking, helps provide its surprisingly large interior space.

Inside, the trim is very nicely done. The feel is substantial, the pieces are solid, the layout is appealing and the placement is very good. The seating is also comfortable and supportive. Not only is the interior space generous, but the trunk has also been optimized to incre ase capacity.

Standard equipment is generous and includes stability control, ABS antilock brakes, airbags, dual zone A/C, keyless entry with press-to-start button, tilt-telescope steering column, 60/40 rear folding seats, projection beam headlamps —you get the message.

Options include leather seating, aluminum wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat, upgraded 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio, electric moon roof, backup sensors, steering wheel paddle shifters etc.

The Kizashi is powered by just one engine—a 4 cylinder 2.4 liter model. It produces 180 horsepower and can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive are also available for those who live in wintery climates.

This car handles like an accomplished sports sedan and is much more at ease on a winding road that most of its competitors. In add ition to its sporting skills, it also delivers a comfortable and quiet ride. Not every auto company gets it right the first time they build a new car in a new segment, but it looks like Suzuki did.

The Kizashi is solid, roomy, upscale, fun, rewarding and starts around $19,000.

Visit www.MyCarData.com for more information on these models.l