ON the road the Captiva cuts a striking profile. It is surprising that this is a product of their Thailand factory, which is also their base for the re-badged European version, the Vauxhall Antara which is selling very well in all countries it has been introduced since early 2007. The actual dimensions are actually smaller than expected. Up close against immediate competition, it is surprising how the GM designers managed to get the 3rd row of seats in without sacrificing in space for the 2nd and front row passengers.
All versions of the Captiva come standard with seven seats, with the last row being actually comfortable enough for average-sized adults.
The seats also fold completely flat, giving you the option of cargo space or passenger carrying capacity. Space is excellent overall, with generous room both in front and in the second and third rows. The second row seats feature a split folding design that allows you to recline each half independently for comfortable long distance drives.
This test Captiva is fitted with a Korean sourced EURO IV-compliant turbo-diesel diesel engine that's been matched with a nice shifting 5- speed automatic gearbox. On the move the Captiva returns very impressive fuel economy with its 2- liter diesel engine. While power rating is decent at 150bhp, the best part of this small diesel engine is the 320Nm of pulling power that's available at just 2000rpm. Smooth and refined, there's almost nothing to give away the fact that you're driving a diesel once you have settled into the cabin aside from the surge of acceleration once the turbocharger gives the engine all the air it needs. In the city, the typical diesel clatter, audible only if the windows are down or the doors open, is very muted. We decided to test the diesel as this looked like a better purchase prospect in view of the coming hike in fuel prices and with its diesel engine being EURO4
complaint it carried a road tax bill of just under RM500 for private ownership. All this made good financial sense to us. It has a bold face that looks very strong and intimidating and the flared wheel arches give it a somewhat muscular stance. The rear carries a look that with the badges removed will leave innocent motorists the impression that they are looking at some luxury European product. There are elements of a evergreen looking vehicle all round the Captiva that will leave owners little to worry about it looking outdated in 4-5 years to come which is common with
a lot of products today. Style wise the Captiva has it all and with the Chevy badge
on the back and front sitting proud, most buyers will drive away with the notion that this is truly an American product.
Ride height is not too high allowing for ladies with skirts to keep their modesty when getting in and out. An ergonomic dashboard provides all the necessary information and the driver's seat is electric for easy adjustments. Rear accommodation in the third row is better than expected, with access gained with a simple tug of a lever that sees the middle row fold forward on a gas strut. Nimble adults will be able to
access the 3rd row which has its own air-conditioning and with just a simple button on the dashboard, the driver can switch it on and off. Climate control is digital and sits in the middle of the dash in its own little housing. That middle row is quite spacious with enough legroom for three adults. The Captiva also suffers from the
common seven-seat vehicle's problem of leaving nowhere to put the luggage cover when each seat is in use. So when the 3rd row is not in use the luggage will sit either on the seats or on their backs when you fold them forward.
The only thing left is the decision to part with hard earned money on a product that is without a doubt good value but being introduced by an organization that has once
before failed to deliver on a promise. Setting its sights squarely on the CRV and the X-Trail, the Captiva is the only one with a diesel engine option (and a impressive
powerplant), which makes for good fuel consumption and a 3rd row seating option. The final decision is still yours and I hope you make the right one.
source : asianauto.com
All versions of the Captiva come standard with seven seats, with the last row being actually comfortable enough for average-sized adults.
The seats also fold completely flat, giving you the option of cargo space or passenger carrying capacity. Space is excellent overall, with generous room both in front and in the second and third rows. The second row seats feature a split folding design that allows you to recline each half independently for comfortable long distance drives.
This test Captiva is fitted with a Korean sourced EURO IV-compliant turbo-diesel diesel engine that's been matched with a nice shifting 5- speed automatic gearbox. On the move the Captiva returns very impressive fuel economy with its 2- liter diesel engine. While power rating is decent at 150bhp, the best part of this small diesel engine is the 320Nm of pulling power that's available at just 2000rpm. Smooth and refined, there's almost nothing to give away the fact that you're driving a diesel once you have settled into the cabin aside from the surge of acceleration once the turbocharger gives the engine all the air it needs. In the city, the typical diesel clatter, audible only if the windows are down or the doors open, is very muted. We decided to test the diesel as this looked like a better purchase prospect in view of the coming hike in fuel prices and with its diesel engine being EURO4
complaint it carried a road tax bill of just under RM500 for private ownership. All this made good financial sense to us. It has a bold face that looks very strong and intimidating and the flared wheel arches give it a somewhat muscular stance. The rear carries a look that with the badges removed will leave innocent motorists the impression that they are looking at some luxury European product. There are elements of a evergreen looking vehicle all round the Captiva that will leave owners little to worry about it looking outdated in 4-5 years to come which is common with
a lot of products today. Style wise the Captiva has it all and with the Chevy badge
on the back and front sitting proud, most buyers will drive away with the notion that this is truly an American product.
Ride height is not too high allowing for ladies with skirts to keep their modesty when getting in and out. An ergonomic dashboard provides all the necessary information and the driver's seat is electric for easy adjustments. Rear accommodation in the third row is better than expected, with access gained with a simple tug of a lever that sees the middle row fold forward on a gas strut. Nimble adults will be able to
access the 3rd row which has its own air-conditioning and with just a simple button on the dashboard, the driver can switch it on and off. Climate control is digital and sits in the middle of the dash in its own little housing. That middle row is quite spacious with enough legroom for three adults. The Captiva also suffers from the
common seven-seat vehicle's problem of leaving nowhere to put the luggage cover when each seat is in use. So when the 3rd row is not in use the luggage will sit either on the seats or on their backs when you fold them forward.
The only thing left is the decision to part with hard earned money on a product that is without a doubt good value but being introduced by an organization that has once
before failed to deliver on a promise. Setting its sights squarely on the CRV and the X-Trail, the Captiva is the only one with a diesel engine option (and a impressive
powerplant), which makes for good fuel consumption and a 3rd row seating option. The final decision is still yours and I hope you make the right one.
source : asianauto.com
