2018 Chevrolet Equinox makes Middle Eastern debut
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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Launch Experience in Salalah
Introduction
Being an auto journalist provides the opportunity to drive the latest vehicles in exotic locations. Salalah, the capital city of Oman’s Dhofar province, is one such destination that is known to many, appreciated by few, and visited by even fewer.
An opportunity to drive Chevrolet’s newest offering, the 2018 Equinox, in the misty pastures of Salalah was one I wasn’t going to miss. Thus, on a humid Tuesday afternoon, with seatbelts fastened and tray tables stowed, I found myself on a direct flight from Dubai’s bustling Terminal 2 to Oman’s desolated Salalah airport.
Salalah's Unique Atmosphere
With the monsoon clouds delivering a constant drizzle from mid-June to mid-August, Salalah’s coconut-fringed beaches and banana plantations offer a taste of Zanzibar in the heart of the Arabian desert. After collecting my bags and getting my visa stamped, I was on my way to the stunning Al Baleed Resort by Anantara, my home away from home for the next twenty-four hours.
Chevrolet Equinox Overview
The 2018 Equinox is currently in its third generation and is positioned between the smaller Trax and the larger Traverse. It competes against popular models such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4.
Driving Experience
After an informative press conference and a detailed walk-around, it was time to take the wheel of the 2018 Equinox. Our test route would take us through popular tourist spots such as Anti-Gravity Point, Jabal Samhan, and Wadi Darbat.
The 2018 Equinox is one hundred and eighty kilograms lighter than its predecessor and boasts a more appealing design, echoing cues from Chevrolet’s Malibu and Cruze sedans. The vehicle features an intimidatingly large chrome grille flanked by angular headlamps.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin is neat and clutter-free, with soft-touch materials and a two-tone color scheme featuring chrome accents. It comfortably seats five, offers 847 liters of boot space, and provides ample head-and-leg room, enhanced by large windows and a full-length panoramic roof.
Performance
With the gear selector in Manual mode and the 9-speed automatic transmission, the Equinox displayed no struggle while navigating the snaking roads to the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve – the only location in Oman where leopards, wolves, and hyenas can be spotted in the wild. With 252 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque distributed to all four corners, the crossover ascended effortlessly.
Conclusion
As I sat at the airport waiting for my gate to open, I reflected on the 2018 Equinox and its Japanese rivals. With a starting price of AED 76,900, featuring standard active aero shutters, active noise cancellation, and four airbags, the Equinox is set to make a significant impact upon its sale in September.
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