PMR - Professional Management Review

The new Captiva is the first all-new product to be designed and developed by Chevrolet for various markets including Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Its bold, striking design provides a glimpse of the future for Chevrolet’s global focused vehicles with strong design cues that will become familiar on future new products. Captiva is not just good looking, it’s practical too with five or seven seat capability and a flexible seat arrangement that can be folded flat throughout. A high level of interior fit and finish and the use of high quality materials will surprise when seen against Captiva’s great value for money positioning. Additional detail like the opening glass panel in the rear tailgate and spring assisted seventh seat operation with pop-up head restraints, exhibit the attention to detail that is apparent throughout this new SUV. As you would expect from Chevrolet, value for money is a key element with comprehensive specification on all derivatives, for example front and curtain airbags are standard across the range.

It was Chevrolet that launched the original SUV concept with the Suburban back in 1935 - Captiva is the latest model in a long line of authentic Chevrolet SUVs. It was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006 and was released for sale in Europe just months ago.

Captiva’s expressive design can be described as “strong, sophisticated and sporty”. It is a spacious, practical and tough vehicle designed with optimum on-road ride and handling characteristics but highly capable in difficult weather and road conditions. Both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants are featured in the range, the latter having an active on demand all-wheel-drive system.

As driving conditions dictate, the rear axle is instantly engaged via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control), ARP (Active-Rollover Protection), FBS (Fading Brake Support) and TSA (Trailer Stabilization Assist). Development of the ride and handling dynamics has been carried out with Millbrook, GM’s proving ground in the UK to suit European requirements which are closely aligned with South African expectations. Along with durability testing, this has ensured that the characteristics of Captiva’s on road behaviour match customer demands.

Its sleek yet bold design is accentuated by strong wheel arches and a sweeping feature line that runs from the front fender vent through to the tail lamps. A grey sill finish runs around the vehicle, reducing its apparent height and is interrupted by contrasting ‘undertray’ features on front and rear bumpers. Design sophistication also features in the cylindrical prism type headlamps, LED type turn signal lamps, turn signal repeaters in the door mirrors and flush fitting, pull-out type door handles.

The wide tailgate with its integrated opening window underlines the practical side of the Captiva. Inside it is spacious, with seating for five with an option of seating for seven passengers. It measures 4,635/1,850/1,720 mm (length/width/height) and stands on a wheelbase of 2,705 mm. In five passenger configuration, it offers a trunk volume of 405 litres (VDA method). All seats, including the front passenger seat, can be folded forward and down, achieving a flat surface. Restating a Chevrolet hallmark, the Captiva offers plenty of storage space, including a wide net below the instrument panel.

The instrument panel itself is separated from the middle console, making it easy to pass through to the other side. Style and function characterize the interior design, with high class materials and an impressive level of fit and finish. The instrument cluster features easy to read semi-circular dials accentuated by aluminium style rims.

The elegant, fully integrated and flush fit infotainment unit in the middle console aims to provide best in class entertainment. Its features include an eight-way speaker system, an amplifier with an output of 4 x 45 watts, an in-dash six CD player with MP3 capability. Full integration of the audio system also aids security. The console houses the driver information system providing data including Electronic Climate control, outside temperature, compass, average fuel consumption and vehicle speed, and range for remaining fuel. The comprehensive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, roof side, and curtain airbags, knee bolsters and safety belt pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front passenger.

Initially, two transversely mounted engines, both petrol, are being considered for the Captiva in South Africa. The 2.4 litre engine is an in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 100 kW (133 hp) at 5,000 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 2,200 rpm. Its average fuel consumption is 9.9 l per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 169 kW (225 hp) at 6,600 rpm, maximum torque is 297 Nm at 3,200 rpm. Its combined fuel consumption is 11.7 l per 100 km. A 2.0 litre diesel engine is available for introduction at a later date.

Suspension layout consists of a McPherson strut configuration in front and an independent four-link design in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four wheels. The 2.4 litre FWD derivative comes standard with 215/70 R 16 tyres on 6.5J x 16 inch wheels, the 2.4 litre AWD is fitted with 235/60 R 17 tyres on 7.0J x 17 inch wheels. The top of the range V6 is fitted with 235/55 R18 tyres on 18” rims.

Information on this product is preliminary and subject to change at the time of introduction.