General Motor's New Captiva test drive, review


Chevrolet will soon launch this refreshed Captiva in our market.  Here we’re testing the Captiva before its launch in India with 181bhp 2.2-litre engine, six-speed auto, four-wheel drive and seven seats, there could be an option of  a six-speed manual gearbox mated to this layout.

In many ways this new Chevrolet Captiva is a big step forward over the pre-facelift model. The most significant improvements come in terms of refinement and power delivery. Upgrades to the cabin insulation have made the Captiva a more relaxing place to cover miles, with much less engine noise and vibration creeping into the cockpit, and the punchy motor also makes progress very easy.

Mated to the six-speed torque converter the engine offers good response across the range, with the auto box making slightly lazy but well-judged shifts. For all that it is not the most rewarding drivetrain, it’s effective at what it needs to do, and is really quite likeable because it encourages such an easy-going, laid-back driving style.

The Captiva’s chassis set-up has been modified for the 2011 facelift, with the intention of making it more worthy of the ‘sport’ element of SUV, or at the very least a more positive driver’s car. And whilst the steering is marginally better tuned with that in mind, this is still a distinctly stodgy car to drive, now with correspondingly lumpy ride. This could in part be down to the 19-inch alloys that all top-spec LTZ models get as standard, since our test car did settle down on smoother main artery roads, but there’s too much jogging and jarring over typical b-roads. It’s not unforgivable, and is unlikely to be a deal breaker for those who are taken with the Captiva’s looks and practicality, but it could certainly be better.
There is no doubt that when the new more-powerful Captiva is launched, it will be a much better car.

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Overview of New Chevrolet Captiva

Chevrolet India is planning to launch the New 2011 Chevrolet Captiva in India next year. The main reason to launch the New Captiva is that the sales of Captiva have dropped after the launch of Toyota Fortuner which is current segment leader in SUV market. The front design of New Chevrolet Captiva is same like we have seen in Cruze and Beat, it features split grille which is dominated by Chevrolet Bow-tie logo in centre. New Captiva looks much better, bigger and fresh in comparison to the current generation model.

Whats New in 2011 New Chevrolet Captiva?

- New design for head lamps and tail lamps.
- New Split design front grille
- New 3.0 litre engine expected to be launched in India
- LED turn indicators integrated into rear view mirrors
- New design for side air vents integrated into the fender
- New dual cockpit design for the centre console
- New color combinations for interiors and fabrics
- New dash integrated music system featuring AUX and USB ports
- New design for the alloy wheels

Expected Price of New Chevrolet Captiva

It is expected that the price of New Chevrolet Captiva will be around Rs. 220000o to Rs. 2400000, these prices are ex-showroom.

Expected Launch Date of New Chevrolet Captiva

It is expected that the New Chevrolet Captiva will be launched in first or second quarter of 2011.

Press Release: New Chevrolet Captiva

The new Captiva SUV will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, featuring a new front end design, a range of enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. Captiva will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres. The Captiva combines confident and dynamic new styling with an available active-on-demand all-wheel drive system that distributes power as needed. It retains the advantages of its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.

A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front, including its athletic stance: the sharply sculptured hood, Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille with the Chevrolet 'bow-tie' sited proudly in the middle and the prism-style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors. Moving around to the front fenders, the side air vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva's sportiness, while from the A pillars back, the Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line.

Accentuating the new Captiva's body are the new exterior color palette and the sculpted wheel arches which will accommodate wheel sizes of 17 to 19 inches. Many changes are also taking place under the Captiva's hood. In Europe, four new powerful engines will come standard with a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission for a powerful, smooth ride. The new engine lineup, which is comprised of two gasoline engines (2.4L and 3.0L) and two turbo-diesel variants (2.2L), incorporates a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.

With the introduction of a new 3.0 liter, 258 hp, V6 gasoline engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, the Captiva will be one of the most powerful vehicles in its class in Europe. The new 2.2 liter common rail turbo-charged diesel engines will be available with either 163 hp or 184 hp outputs. Rounding off the new lineup is a 2.4 liter dual overhead-cam gasoline unit with variable valve timing, rated at 171 hp. Both the 2.2 liter turbo-diesels as well as the 2.4 liter gasoline engine can be ordered in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The new Captiva's chassis has been tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel. With Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) standard, as well as front-, side- and head curtain airbags, the Captiva also provides a high level of safety. The Captiva's new and upgraded interior now features an array of new finishes and textures including all-new seat fabrics and interior décor appointments that give the SUV an upscale feel and look. Chevrolet’s designers applied elements featured on other new Chevrolet models, such as the ice-blue back lighting and the 'wrap-around' design of the front fascia which flows into the front driver's and passenger doors creating the dual-cockpit look.

The new Captiva features Hill Start Assist, eliminating "roll-back" on hills and an electric park brake that opens up space for further storage in the center console, including two large cup holders. The audio system includes an auxiliary input, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Passengers will be able to enjoy their audio experience thanks to multiple acoustic measures resulting in low road, wind and engine noise. Captiva is available with a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for safety and parking assistance. With its European launch scheduled for spring 2011, Captiva offers powerful, yet efficient engines, all-wheel drive capabilities, roominess and versatility for up to seven passengers. Captiva will not be available in the United States.

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that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

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