Car Trends Magazine

Alter a long period of wait, Chevrolet previews its all new compact SUV, Captiva. Co-developed with Daewoo, the Captiva retains the prototype’s (S3X) design theme. The Captiva is one of GM’s worldwide car projects as it will be sold in Europe (as Chevrolet), Asia (as Daewoo) and the US (as Saturn).

Oficial press release:

The Captiva will also be the first model in Chevrolet’s European range available with an electronic stability program (ESP). It debuts at the Geneva motor show (March 2 - 12, 2006) and will be available in showrooms across Europe starting in June.

Dimenisons

The Captiva offers expressive design and a spacious, convenient interior featuring high quality fabrics and materials. The new compact SUV measures 4,639/1,849/1,726 mm (length/width/height) and with a wheelbase of 2,707 mm. It will be available with seven or five seats respectively.

4wd system

Customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants. The latter variant features an-active-on demand, four-wheel-drive-system. As driving conditions demand, the rear axle is instantly employed 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) and ARP (Anti-Rollover Protection).

Engine specifications

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available for the Captiva. They include the brand new, state-of-the-art common rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto&Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori. In its first application, the 16 valve unit offers 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2000 rpm.. In the ECE mix, fuel consumption is 8.1 L per 100 km. It is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe, beginning in 2006.

The base engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 142 hp at 5,200 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Captiva 2.4 average fuel consumption is 10.8 L per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 225 hp at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque is 302 Nm at 3500 rpm.