Chevrolet launches M.Y. Captiva 2015 in Indian car market

Facelift Chevrolet Captiva on cards of General Motors

Expert Review

New Chevrolet Captiva Review by Expert

It was the year 2008, when just a year back General Motors (GM) introduced their inaugural small hatch in the form of Chevrolet Spark in the country, which was an instant hit. Riding high on the overwhelming success of Spark car, the US based company confidently decided to launch their first proper premium product in India. This vehicle was a brawny global product that carried worldwide accolades. And was none other than Chevrolet Captiva SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). After the launch the premium SUV gathered optimum attention of the Indian car buyers resulting in decent sales numbers. The company showcased face-lifted version of Captiva at the Auto Expo, after which in June’2012 the New Chevrolet Captiva was formally launched.

The SUV is pretty famous around the globe and is sold out under different GM badges in different parts of the world. In US it is sold as Opel Antara, in South Korea as Daewoo Winstorm and Holden Captiva in Australia. But in the year 2011, strategy was revised and it got its international name Chevrolet Captiva. Here in India, it competes with Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, and Mahindra XUV 500. The foremost feature of the New Captiva is its 2.0L engine with manual gear box and newly launched 2.2L AWD Automatic Transmission (AT). The two-part grille, split by a thick strip on which the Chevy bowtie sits, is the now-familiar signature of modern Chevys. The fog lamp housings of New Chevrolet Captiva look much neater too and the headlamps are more striking than before.

There are loads of modifications done to the exteriors, especially the front, to create a distinct look from the predecessor. The face of the New Chevrolet Captiva now looks aggressive, against earlier sober. The chrome lined grille is split into two, which is new grille design for all Chevrolet cars these days, and amid sits the Chevy badge. The redesigned bumper now has spherical fog lamps on both sides that appear neat. Inside large Chevrolet Captiva cabin there are pretty rare changes, but real stunning ones.  The dashboard is very well done with no cheap plastic in the making along with sharp looking centre console. The 7-inch Navigation screen increases research on the go.  The other class leading convenient features include new instrument cluster,   electrically operated parking brake alongside many handy aspects on the floor console. The safety elements offered with New Chevrolet Captiva are sufficient enough for the security and protection of all the seven occupants in the car.

New Chevrolet Captiva Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The retuned 1991cc, 2.0L 4-cylinder VCDi diesel engine of New Chevrolet Captiva is powerful and at the same time able enough to take on anything.  Here in spite of being power-packed it provides with suitable mileage numbers that are brilliant as far as the other segment models are concerned. Moreover the latest entrant, 2.2L AT diesel version also enjoys some satisfactory mileage figures. With 150 PS of maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque, the New Chevrolet Captiva with manual gearbox manages to deliver a fuel economy of 13.7 kmpl in city limits along with 9.5 kmpl on the highways. Furthermore, the currently added 6-speed automatic transmission gets a more powerful diesel power-train of 2.2L (2231cc) that yields 186.5 PS of maximum power that is accompanied by huge torque of 424 Nm.  This version of New Chevrolet Captiva also delivers better fuel efficiency considering the fact that it is AT and 4x4. In city rides it provides you with 7.5 kmpl besides a very good 10.6 kmpl when on the highways.

Chevrolet Captiva Models and Features

Compare Chevrolet Captiva Models

New Chevrolet Captiva Engine, Power and Performance

The New Chevrolet Captiva SUV is powered by a 2-litre 16 valve, SOHC, VCDi engine that is based on the common rail diesel engine technology. Added to it is the variable geometry technology that helps total combustion of diesel inside the pots leading to higher fuel efficiency and high power delivery. This is the reason why the Captiva engine is able to deliver 150 PS at only 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This sort power delivery is considered to be good for SUV Captiva and it gives the car the required thrust it needs.

The latest addition to the New Chevrolet Captiva is 2.2L AT engine with all-wheel-drive function. The huge 2231cc SUV is available with a well tuned 6-speed automatic gearbox that converts driving into cruising. The new engine outpours an utmost power of 186.5 PS at 3800 rpm teamed up with gigantic torque of 424 Nm at 2000 rpm. The Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) fuel system together with best in class power and torque number allows the New Chevrolet Captiva to take in any terrain without hesitation.

New Chevrolet Captiva Pickup and Acceleration

The New Chevrolet Captiva with its new displacement of 2231cc and Automatic Transmission (AT) cover new heights when it comes to acceleration. The mammoth 186.5PS and 424Nm generating 2.2L diesel motor attains a top speed of 220 kmph, which is an absolute threat to the segment rivals of New Chevrolet Captiva. Moreover the 0-100 kph mark is accomplished in mere 9.6 seconds. The standard 2.0L diesel engine with 150PS of max power and 320 Nm of peak torque comes with flying colors when accelerated. The capable engine with 5-speed manual gear box achieves a top speed of 175 kmph with great ease. However, the milestone of 100kph from stationary is pulled off in just 11.5 seconds. Overall, the New Chevrolet Captiva acceleration is one of the most admirable especially the lately added 2.2L AT version.

New Chevrolet Captiva Interiors and Features

With the launch of New Chevrolet Captiva, the SUV has seen many upgrades with some decent ones in the interiors. The New Chevrolet Captiva transferred sporty and positive gene of the sporty exterior features on the inside as well. The quality and exclusive design engineering presented inside is one of the best in the segment. The 5 + 2 Flexi Seating arrangement allows to seat seven people and second row is split into 60: 40 ratios to enable entry and exit for the third row. With fold flat feature of the seats it generates more than 1500 ltrs of cargo space. However the New Chevrolet Captiva 2.2L AT has exclusively designated jet-black interiors.

The front seats of Chevrolet Captiva are 8-way adjustable with flexible head rests that fold down automatically. The rear seats have armrest with storage box. All leather upholstery enhances the interior appeal of the car. The leather wrapped typical Chevy designed steering wheel has audio controls on it. The dash is specially designed to put comfort and looks at the first priority. The restructured central console of New Chevrolet Captiva has a flowing design and has multifunction display at the top followed by audio system and air conditioning controls. Panoramic sun roof at the front is present to give a pleasant delight to the front passengers.

Among the comfort features within New Chevrolet Captiva interiors are automatic climate control that takes care that every terrain is as cozy as if you are at home. The windows are one tough down type. There is also an integrated 2 DIN Radio MP3 player with six speakers. Furthermore some handy comprise of a rear centre console storage area, cooled glove box, sizable centre console bin and remote-operated tailgate glass for easy access together with handy bins at each door of the car. Some other incorporations consists of sunglasses holder over head, a dual-compartment sliding driver’s armrest and most notable features is the offing of ‘three’ 12-volt power outlets that are easily accessible to every occupant inside New Chevrolet Captiva.

Chevrolet Captiva Exteriors and Features

The exterior dimensions hold such authority that wherever New Chevrolet Captiva goes, the onlookers are bound to believe that something ‘big’ has emerged around them. This American SUV has got enough edge over its competitors especially when with some new additions to the exteriors. Based on the Theta platform of its parent company General Motors, the New Chevrolet Captiva is monocoque in design. Unlike other SUV, the Captiva has bulgy yet compact looks. The front of the car is no different and has the perfect imposing SUV like appearance with ideal finishing. The chrome bordered front grille gets divided with the bigger ‘Chevy’ logo that rests on it.

Below it is the air dam that is also populated by the fog lamps on the two edges. The head lamps of New Chevrolet Captiva are bezel shaped and overall front has a typical Chevy appearance that is characteristic of the US based car maker. The front sporty lines continue to the sides and end to the sporty air dams on the side fenders that are the breathing spaces for the SUV. As soon as one moves to the sides, the outside rear view mirror catch the attention that has the LED side indicators integrated on it. The sporty looks of New Chevrolet Captiva get a further treatment due to the presence f the curved roofline and the roof rail.

The Chevrolet Captiva rear complements the sporty looks accentuated by the front and sides due to the presence of twin exhausts, one on each side of the rear. The tail lamps have a little swept forward look and are four compartment types with two hemispherical slots for the indicator and reverse light. A warning lamp is placed on the top middle of the rear thus completing the overall sporty features of the car. The 16 and 17 inch alloys further give it a raised stance and overall the New Chevrolet Captiva exterior looks big from the front and sides.

Safety Features in Chevrolet Captiva

The Captiva has both active and passive safety features in place apart from anti-theft alarm system. Presence of two airbags at the front ensures that the diver and the passengers remain unhurt during a collision. Anti-lock braking system ensures efficient braking in case of panic braking. Electronic brake force distribution and Electronic Stability Control ensures that the Captiva remains in control even if strong brakes are applied. The Captiva comes with remote less key entry with two remote keys.   

Chevrolet Captiva Driving and Handling

Handling Captiva is far more easier than any other SUV, thanks to its McPherson Strut suspension at the front and Multi Link at the rear. With a monocoque design agility is in the veins of Captiva. Drive is made all the more easy with the help of a responsive power steering and all disk brakes. Hill Descent Control System also makes drive easier in mountainous areas. Besides, automatic transmission takes care of the gear shifting troubles making your drive easier. In order to have better grip on slippery surfaces, the Chevrolet Captiva has an inbuilt mode that detects the driving condition and adapts it accordingly giving safer driver even during heavy snow. The Captiva has a ground clearance of 197 mm and has a turning radius of 5.8 metres that ensures that even tight spaces are no worries for the SUV.

Chevrolet Captiva Accessories

Apart from standard accessories, a lot of other accessories for Captiva are available with Chevrolet. These include car care items, car cover, floor mat, GPS navigation, car inverter, air pump, in car refrigerator, roof top carrier, side step and sun film are some of the essentials that you must go for. On the safety side, you can for parking sensors and rear view mirror. However, if you are more style conscious, you can have chrome weather guard and black weather guard option. For the entertainment lovers, Chevrolet has lots of options available such as 2 DIN audio system, speakers and headrest screens.  

Chevrolet Captiva Conclusion