With its new Captiva SUV, Chevrolet hopes to typify all that is great about the marque: value for money, expressive design, and practicality that appeals to buyers with families.“The Captiva successfully combines ruggedness with style in a mid-size SUV,” says designer Max Wolff. The proportions are just right for a modern and agile SUV with the Captiva coming in at 4 635 mm in length, 1 850 mm wide and 1 755 mm high. Featuring the eye-catching grille with its prominent Chevrolet “bow-tie” badge, smart silver-effect front and rear skid plates, large jewelled headlamps and coupe-like window line, the Captiva combines bold features with dynamic lines for a vehicle that is well proportioned and rugged without being too imposing. The Captiva clearly draws its styling cues from the Chevrolet SX3 concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2004.

Four models are offered with the choice of a 2,4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit and a 3,2-litre V6 petrol powerplant. A 16-valve double overhead camshaft engine developing 100 kW at 5 000 r/min, and 220 N.m at 2000 r/min powers the front-wheel drive Captiva 2.4 LT. The same unit powers the Captiva 2,4 LT with all-wheel drive. The Captiva 2,0 CRD LTZ is driven by a new diesel engine producing 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and 320 N.m at 2 200 r/min. Last but not least is the Captiva 3,2 LTZ, with a 24-valve all aluminium V6 producing 169 kW at 6 600 r/min and 297 N.m at 3 200 r/min.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2,0 CRD LTZ and both 2,4-litre models, while the V6 model features a five-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel and V6 model are available with On Demand All Wheel Drive. This all-wheel drive system is only engaged when the system senses that the front wheels are providing less than optimised traction. An electronic clutch makes the transition to AWD instantaneous. The AWD system also interacts with the ABS and ESP systems to further enhance vehicle control.

The interior features a clever “fold-flat-to-floor” seating layout that provides a multitude of flexible seating options for seven occupants, while the second and third row of seats fold completely flat to optimise versatility in the load area. With the front passenger seat folded, a load length of 2,7 metres is created, with a massive 1 565 litres of load capacity. Even in 7-seat configuration, there is still a useable 85 litres of cargo space.

The Captiva’s appeal goes beyond practicality though. The cabin is modern, and new levels of quality add to Chevrolet’s fit and finish with high-grade materials.

Power steering, electric remote mirrors, radio/MP3, ABS with EBD and driver and passenger front dual-stage airbags with side airbags are standard on base level models. The all-wheel drive and LTZ specification adds an Electronic Stability Programme, Level Ride Suspension, Park Assist, cruise control and darkened privacy glass for the rear windows.

The Captiva’s advanced chassis design is at the heart of a group of active and passive safety features designed to protect passengers in the event of a collision and it’s body shell is made from high strength, bake-hardened steel for excellent overall rigidity and resistance to impact damage. Crumple zones are employed all around the vehicle to absorb impact energy.

Prices are as follows

Captiva FWD 7-Seater 2.4 LT R244 300

Captiva AWD 7-Seater 2.4 LT R272 300

Captiva AWD 7-Seater 2.0 D LTZ R319 900

Captiva AWD 7-Seater 3.2 V6 LTZ A/T R329 900

Prices include VAT and a 3-year/100 000 km Service Plan. Both 3-year and 5-year maintenance plans are available as an option. Service intervals are 15 000 km or 1 year. The warranty cover is 3 years/100 000 km and includes Roadside Assistance for the warranty period.

Original article from Car