2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS would look great on PH roads

With SAIC Motor Philippines making it official they are the new official importer and distributor of MG in the country, The Covenant Car Company Inc (TCCCI) has refocused its efforts and resources back to Chevrolet.

The company signaled this when it launched the all-new Chevrolet Trax. Now bigger and sleeker than its predecessor, the new generation crossover now competes in the compact crossover segment, comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder under the hood, and with a host of high-tech amenities plus intelligent driver aids.

Unfortunately, it starts at PHP 1,793,888 for the basic LT and goes all the way to PHP 1,948,888 for the range-topping RS. One of the main factors behind this is the fact that it comes from GM Korea (formerly Daewoo). At those sticker prices, it's already in the range of frame-based midsize SUVs, high-end MPVs, and bigger three-row crossovers.

Perhaps what the brand needs is a compact crossover that is easier on the pockets but still offers plenty of tech, along with a stylish design. Just last month, we already saw the first images of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox for the Chinese market, and it looks promising. Now, we have seen pictures of the more stylish (and more powerful) 2024 Equinox RS via the PRC's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

While it also features the Trailblazer-like design as the non-RS variant, this particular version gets a more discerning look thanks to the RS cosmetic package. The front end gets a unique grille with special inserts along with a sportier-looking bumper. And in case you haven't noticed it yet, it also gets distinct 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black and silver, blacked-out roof rails, slim exhaust pipes, and RS badges at the front and rear.

Aside from the appearance pack, the 2024 Equinox RS also gets a hardware upgrade. Under the hood is not a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Instead, it's powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four that generates a meaty 231 PS and a healthy 350 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Pictures of the interior are not yet available. However, we won't be surprised if the automaker will also give it a sportier-looking cabin, as well as more luxurious appointments.

There is still no word if Chevrolet Philippines plans to bring the Chinese-spec Equinox to the country. But with the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area favoring cars with 1.5-liter displacements, the bow-tie brand could capitalize on this and source the Equinox from the PRC. Hopefully, they could also bring the RS appearance pack for the 1.5-liter turbo version.