Monday, August 26, 2013
Coming Soon Chevrolet Captiva
On sale Summer 2006From £14,500 (est)
Chevrolet has released more pictures of their new European market SUV, the Captiva, following the teaser photo released last month. It is a key model in their market expansion: already sales for Chevrolet in 2005 were up 26% on 2004, accounting for an eighth of the brands global sales, and the launch of the Captiva marks their capitalisation on this foothold, being the first non-rebadged Daewoo.
Viewed in isolation, the Captiva looks to be about the size of a Toyota RAV4 or a Suzuki Grand Vitara but the tale of the tape shows that its a much heftier piece of metalwork. For a start, the S3X show car is fully 4,639mm long, compared with the 4,415 of the Toyota and the 4,470mm of the Suzuki. Even if we play Chevrolets game and compare it to the leading seven-seat mini-MPV, the Vauxhall Zafira, we find Lutons finest breaking the tape at just 4,467mm. Thats why the Chevy has room for three rows of seats - and thus, seven passengers - thanks to its long wheelbase of around 2.
Value-packed 4x4 to rival Kia and Hyundai
This Captiva is the first diesel-powered Chevrolet off-roader in Europe and will be available with an all-new 2.0-litre 150 bhp engine. Buyers have the choice between five or seven seat variants as well as front-wheel drive and an active-on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which gives added traction through all four wheels. Captiva will be Chevrolet’s first European model to offer an electronic stability program, which is said to enhance driver control and safety.
Automatic transmission will be available with the diesel engine, delivering 32.8mpg on the combined cycle. This is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products this year.
The new photographs now show more than just the DRG, the three-quarter shots exposing softly sculpted flanks, these sitting below bodyside creases that curl into the side vents. Another popular feature being used here is shoulder-mounted door mirrors, an arrangement which are claimed by Lexus to reduce wind noise. Interior details are yet to be announced.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Chevrolet Captiva range
PRICES: £16,000-£20,000 [est] - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 11 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 190g/km [est]
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 12s [est]
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 diesel] (combined) 32.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags,
ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4639/1848/1722mm
Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Captiva will be in showrooms in June.
