Chevrolet Captiva

Overview:

It has been 70 years since Chevrolet gifting the mankind with first SUV and since then Chevrolet has not stepped back one bit and the legacy continues. The much awaited Chevrolet Captiva, a huge success worldwide is all set to blaze up the Malaysian auto market. The debut-ant SUV is packed with load of descent features and a nice exterior to stare at. Signature dual port grills of the Chevy embossed with company insignia on the front gives the car a SUV trait. Massive space inside the SUV is the new attribute for which Captiva is known for.

Talking about the power house engrossed inside the body of this all-muscle, Chevrolet Captiva comes embedding two different engine variants- a 2.4-litre petrol motor and a 2.0-litre diesel heart. The 4-cylinder petrol version delivers a maximum power of 162 PS at 6400 rpm whereas the diesel version goes for 163 PS at 3800 rpm. The 6-speed automatic transmission in the car enables it to attain a top speed of 181 km/hr owing to which it touches 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. Amalgamation of variable valve timing and ECOTEC technology in the petrol engine variant allows it to deliver a descent mileage of 10.9 km/l whereas the turbocharger technology installed in the diesel variant allows it to deliver a mileage of 14.6 km/l.

However, Chevrolet Captiva is meant to be a comfort city drive rather than a dedicated off-roader. The innovation storage areas in the car provides ample space for accommodating basic amenities during travel. 8-way adjustable seats of all the three rows provide a massive space inside. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) equipped in the vehicle detects precise braking force exerted during emergency and responds by increasing the braking pressure for greater stopping power. The Hill Descent Control System and Hill Start Assist ensures smoother drive while on high altitudes. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integrated with self-balancing provides good stability during skids. In combination with the Self Balancing Technology, the SUV also comes with a Self Leveling System that automatically lifts the rear suspension during heavy loads in order to ensure front-rear balance. The anti-theft system and engine immobilizer equipped in the car ensures descent range of security when parked.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Combination of Variable Valve Timing with ECOTEC technology in the 2.4-litre petrol engine of the new Captiva delivers an overall mileage of 10.9 km/l. On the other hand, the turbo-charged 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers an average mileage of 13.8 km/l.

Power:

At the core of the this tough beast sits a dynamic engine that delivers a descent figure of power. The 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine churns out a maximum power of 162 PS at 6400 rpm whereas the turbo-charged 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 163 PS at 3800 rpm.

Acceleration and Pickup:

With the implementation of triptronic transmission to the 6-speed automatic gear house, the acceleration become even more brisk. Touching 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds, the Chevy Captiva attains a top speed of 181 km/h which are outstanding figures for a dedicated mid-range city SUV.

Exterior:

With a much bolder and stronger look, the new Captiva is engraved with a very elegant no-nonsense styling. The dual port aggressive and eye catching grille Jewelled with new Chevrolet emblem screams out the reason for being called the real SUV. Chrome plated air-dams to the side of the car allows it to transport an ample quantity of air to the engine. Aggressive wheel arches to the side make a quite good space inside. The chrome plated dual exhaust and high mounted wraparound tail lamp at the rear creates a sporty impression. Round fog lamps at the rear as well as to the front helps easy visibility during foggy whether conditions. Satin silver skid plates to the side protects the SUV during off-roading. The electrically adjustable ORVM's are coupled with side indicators giving the vehicle an elegant look. Roof rails and silver toned air dampers gives the Captiva a SUV look. In order to have an easy access of the luggage at the trunk the SUV is provided with a split tailgate feature. The SUV is available in 6 different shades- Alpine White, Tornado Red, Auburn Brown, Royal Gray, Black Sapphire, Sterling Silver.

Exterior Measurements:

The overall dimensions of Chevrolet Captiva measure 4673mm X 1850mm X 1758mm (L X W X H). With a wheel base dimension of 2707 mm and track width dimension of 1568 mm at front and 1576 mm at rear, the SUV is spacious enough to accommodate 7 passenger (including driver) at a time.

Interior:

The new dual-cockpit design with ice-blue black lighting all over the dash surface gives the interior a very elegant look within. High-end interior of Chevrolet Captiva are an amalgamation of quality material and the finish provided inside the car. The metallic and wood garnish on the dash board as well as on the door gives the vehicle a luxurious accent. The modular 3 row seating of the new generation Captiva can accommodate 7 people at a time. 8-way adjustable seats enable a large amount of goods to be carried. The dual tone dash board of the Captiva has 7-inch screen with navigation system installed in it. Cup holders and storage areas near the console provide ample space to accommodate your leisure items.

Interior Comfort:

Seating leisure of the Captiva is truly creditable. The 5 2 seating capacity of the SUV has 8-way power adjustable modes. Tilt adjustable headrest of the car can be adjusted in numerous position, giving the passenger maximum comfort. One touch folding seats of the third row provides ample boot space at the rear. Puddle lamps integrated on the front door allows you to have a proper visibility on the ground while opening the door. The innovation storage provided to the rear gives plenty of storage compartments like bottle holders and cup holders. Glove compartment of the car is equipped with decent amount of illumination and air-cooling. Multi-storage areas in the armrest allows easy storage of small articles. The dash unit also accommodates a card holding area. Remote access power windows to all the four doors allows easy control of the opening and closing of window.

Interior Measurements:

With 8 way adjustable modular seats, the trunk space is flexible. Fold the 3 row and the trunk space increases to 465 liters. Fold the 2 row and you could enjoy an enormous space of 930 liters. The Tip and Tumble feature of the 2 row could fold the seats by 60:40 ratio whereas the the 3 row seat is foldable up to 50:50 ratio.

Engine and Performance:

Under the massive hood there is a powerful engine. The 4-cylinder in line 16-valve DOHC engine of the Captiva incorporates variable valve timing and ECOTEC technology in the petrol engine whereas a powerful turbocharger in the diesel engine. The 2.4-litre petrol engine churns out 162 PS at 6400 rpm boosting a torque of 225 Nm at 4800 rpm. On the other hand, the 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers a pulsating power of 163 hp at 3800 rpm boosting a torque of 360 Nm at 2750 rpm. The powerhouse of the new generation Captiva houses a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with tiptronic technology. The front wheel drive SUV also comes with a provision of all wheel drive system (on demand).

Stereo and Accessories:

The 3-D sound stage system of the new Captiva includes Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity. It is also equipped with AM/FM Stereo with printed antenna on the rear side glass. The CD/MP3 music system is controlled by a couple of steering mounted controls. A dedicated 7-inch screen is fabricated on the centre of dashboard near the console area having a navigation system equipped to it. The Driver Information Center equipped in the car gives a quick access presentation of the multi-trip meter, trip timer, distance to empty indicator, trip fuel efficiency. It also displays AC mode and inside/outside temperatures. The compass in the driver information center enables you to know the direction you are moving in.

Wheels:

The 18 inch alloy of the petrol version a accommodates a tyre specification of 235/55 R18, whereas the 19 inch alloy in the LTZ 2.0 Diesel version accommodates a tyre specification of 235/50 R19.

Braking and Handling:

The forte SUV of Malaysian SUV line up of Chevrolet, Captiva comes with heat ventilated disc type brake in all four wheels. It also has an ABS/EBD system. The cruise control option equipped in the four spoked steering wheel enables easy driving during long runs. Suspension system in the new Captiva offers MacPherson Struts with stabilizer bar at the front and 4-point Multi-Link with self leveling system at the rear. The self leveling system automatically rises the rear suspension when carrying heavy loads, thus balancing the front and rear section.

Safety and Security:

As far as the safety is concerned Captiva is crowned with a couple of descent safety features. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) in the car detects applied braking force during emergency braking and responds by increasing the braking pressure for greater stopping power. The Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control System (HDSC) provides safe driving at high altitudes by improving coordination between engine and brakes thus avoiding Roll Back conditions. The coordination of HBA and EBD provides ample braking performance through ABS. Traction Control System in the car enables good stability by reducing slippage. In order to meet fatal accidents the car is equipped with driver passenger airbags and curtain airbags, apart from these it also has front and rear crumple zones offering maximum protection. Dual Pretensioner seat belts loosen automatically at adverse conditions thus minimizing the risk of seatbelt related injuries. Immobiliser system and anti-theft protection system ensures maximum security of the SUV.

Pros:

Enough Safety features
Ample space
Interior is elegantly designed

Cons:

Exterior designing is a bit plain
Sound system is not so impressive