“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,”said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Chevrolet Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”

The 2010 Chevy Equinox trims include the front-drive LS model, the 1LT, 2LT, and the loaded LTZ. Each equipped with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). General Motors’ Chevrolet Equinox models has Ecotec, a new 2.4-liter four cylinder engine , redesigned with smaller, more advanced, direct injection engine that improves horsepower from 164 to 182 and torque from 160 to 172 pound-feet, with estimated highway fuel economy, 25 percent better compared its previous model at 30 mpg (EPA certification pending).

Chevrolet Equinox exterior design is inspired from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover. Also included in its features is the six-speed automatic transmission which alters the shift points to increase fuel economy by about 1 mpg. Models consist of traction and stability control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, one year of OnStar, air-conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, satellite radio, compass, floor mats. Bluetooth, leather-wrapped wheel, remote start system, rearview camera are optional.

Also available is the more powerful 3-liter V6, with 264-horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque found in the more upscale settings that also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, but it adds a manual shiftgate.

The 188 inches long, compact Equinox seats five with ease, with more than 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. It looks good, most importantly provides comfort because vehicle has been immunized against vibration and is equipped with best-in-class highway fuel economy for a quieter and smoother ride.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Photos:

Photo Credits: consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com

2010 Honda Insight vs 2010 Toyota Prius

Now, after watching the video, which one will you choose? Share your thoughts with us.

Photo credits: Laura Sternberg/About.com

Exterior features of the 2010 Prius includes power heated side mirrors, Smart Key entry system, projector-beam headlamps with auto-off, rear window defogger with intermittent wiper, rear deck spoiler, XM Satellite Radio-ready components and High Solar Energy Absorbing glass. Interior features include tilt and telescoping steering wheel controls and a state-of-the-art Multi-information Display with energy monitor, fuel consumption history, hybrid system indicator, odometer, central instrument display, digital speedometer, instant fuel consumption information, fuel gauge and shift-lever indicator.Also included are A/C, power windows and doors, cruise control, 60/40 split rear seats and 12-volt outlets, audio system stereo with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio mini-jack, six speakers and satellite capability

Photo credit: Aaron Gold| About.com

Standard base model is the 2010 Prius II. Prius III added feature is the XM satellite radio. Prius IV was enhanced with a 3-door Smart Key system, leather interior, heated front seats with driver at lumbar support, and step lamp. Prius V has a 17-inch ally wheels and LED headlamps. Prius models III, IV and V, includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system as well as a backup camera. Prius III, IV, and V has added with a sliding moonroof with solar-powered ventilation system and remote conrolled air condition system. Prius model V distinct feature among others is its Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision System and Intelligent Parking Assist for added safety and ease with parking.

Safety equipments in all trims involves driver and front passenger’s Supplemental Restraint System airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver’s knee airbags and active headrests. Also included are Antilock brakes with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, electronic traction control and Vehicle Stability Control. Side-impact door beams, front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones, 3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, 3-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, child protector rear door locks and adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors adds up to its safety features.

The new 2010 Toyota Prius model was made more powerful, modernized, and environmental friendly to give its driver and passenger a greater value on efficiency and style.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | Photo © Ford

The 2010 Ford Fusion is available in three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-4 of 175 hp, a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6 of 240 hp, and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V6 of 263 hp. The 2010 Ford Fusion offers five trim levels: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid. The 2010 line up were made more exciting mechanically and in style. Now a mid-size car with agile handling and world-beating fuel thrift for comfort and competency.

Fusion S comes with a 2.5- liter four-cylinder engine, six speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and door handles, tinted glass, black power mirrors. Standard interior includes a cloth upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks, instrument cluster with message center, keyless entry and trunk release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, remote decklid release, capless fuel filler, trip computer, cruise control, speed-sensitive wipers.

Fusion SE is enhanced with six-speaker audio, fog lamps, fold-flat passenger seat, body-color mirrors, six-way power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, illuminated visor mirrors, and 17-inch wheels.A 3.0- liter V6 flex-fuel engine that comes with a six speed automatic transmission is optional.

Fusion Sport adds 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console applique.

Fusion SEL comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and upgrades with leather heated seats, dual-zone temperature control, SYNC communications system, halogen headlamps, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, eight-way power driver seats, six-way power passenger seat, leather shifter, leather steering wheel, keyless entry pad, six-speed select-shift automatic and 17-inch wheels.Also optional is a 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

Fusion Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that comes with a Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery, permanent magnet-electric motor, regenerative braking system, LCD graphic instrument panel, reverse-sensing system, Hybrid badging, 17-inch wheels, E-CVT electronic constant-velocity automatic transmission.

SUN and SYNC package, Driver’s Vision Package, Moon and Tune Package, Electronic Package are additional options to fit its driver’s need and preferences to make a Ford Fusion experience an unforgettable ride.

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced the complete details and image gallery of the U.S. version of the 2010 Kia Soul that had its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2010 Kia Soul is the newest product offering to join the company’s ever-expanding line-up, following the introduction of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV earlier this year.

“The Soul is for those who love individuality but don’t like to be categorized by finding the next best thing. Indicative of the new design direction of KMA, Soul is an attractive and customizable vehicle for those looking for something with a little more personality than other vehicles on the market today”, said by Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.

The 2010 Kia Soul has bold and edgy designs with more package and styling combinations than any previous Kia vehicle. The 2010 Kia Soul is a front-wheel drive, 4-door hatchback that’s slightly larger than Kia’s Rio. This Kia Soul comes with a choice between two engines: 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine developing around 120 hp engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 140 hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, power windows and locks. Four trim levels are offered: base Soul, Soul , Soul! (exclaim), and Soul sport. The base Soul has 15-inch wheels. Soul adds 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a wireless cell phone link. Soul! has a sunroof and 18-inch wheels. Soul sport has unique 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, and specific interior and exterior trim. An uprated audio system is optional on Soul and standard on Soul! and Soul sport. Based on the Soul , due later in the year is the Denim Soul. The Denim version has specific paint and wheels and includes the uprated audio system.

As promised by KMA, The 2010 Kia Soul will allow young and young-at-heart buyers to have the freedom to truly personalize and emotionally connect with their vehicle. The 2010 Kia Soul is a well-equipped package that emphasizes value with combined impressive function and frugality made affordable.

Image Courtesy of : Suvs.about.com