The new Chevrolet Captiva will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, sporting a new front end design, a range of enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. Captiva will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres. The 2011 Captiva will be launched in Europe next year, with the Indian launch following soon after. A slight price hike is expected when the new Captiva is launched in India.
A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front including the re-shaped and sharply sculptured hood, a new larger grille with its dual-opening and the Chevrolet ‘bow-tie’ sited proudly in the middle, and the prism style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors. Moving round to the front fenders, the side air-vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva’s sporting intent, while from the A pillars back the Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line. Setting the new Captiva’s body off perfectly are the new exterior color palette and the accentuated wheel arches which will accommodate wheel sizes of 17 to 19 inches.
It’s under the Captiva’s new hood that many changes are also taking place, with no less than four new powerful engines that will come standard with a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission for a powerful, smooth ride. The new 2.2 liter common rail turbo-charged diesel unit will be available with either 163 or 184 hp outputs. The new Captiva’s chassis has been re-tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel. With Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) standard, as well as front-, side- and curtain airbags, the Captiva provides a high level of safety.
The Captiva’s upgraded interior now features an array of new finishes and textures including all-new seat fabrics and interior décor appointments to give the car a more up-market feel and look. Designers have put to good use some of the elements featured on other new Chevrolet models, such as the ice-blue back lighting and the ‘wrap-round’ design of the front fascia which flows into the front driver’s and passenger doors creating the dual-cockpit look.
The new Captiva features Hill Start Assist, eliminating “roll-back” on hills and an electric park brake that opens up space for further storage in the center console, including two 1-liter cup holders. The new Captiva’s audio system includes Aux-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Passengers will enjoy their audio experience all the more thanks to improved acoustic engineering resulting in reduced road, wind and engine noise. Captiva can be ordered with a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for parking assistance.
