Facelifts are an industry standard. Family saloons, MPVs and even expensive sports cars can go under the proverbial surgeon’s knife in a bid to offer buyers something new and different to look at, more gadgets to play with and, in some cases, a new powertrain.
The Chevrolet Captiva has received one such makeover.
Looks-wise, a completely reworked nose is the biggest change from its predecessor. I’m not a fan of huge grilles – they tend to divert all attention from the rest of a car. But this one, incorporating Chevrolet’s latest design DNA, is what the car sorely needed.
A big SUV needs a good dose of “attitude”, and this new face has given the Chevrolet Captiva just that. The car looks more purposeful now and I wager you’ll give way pretty quickly if you see this Chevy bearing down on you at speed in your rear view mirror.
Speed is another aspect of the Captiva that has been enhanced. A new 2.4-litre in-line 4-cylinder motor now sits proudly in the engine bay. This powerplant, armed with variable valve timing, peaks at 167bhp and 230Nm. While it does have quite a big car to move around, it gets help from another new gizmo – a 6-speed automatic transmission.
High seating position is a plus and all controls fall nicely to hand.
Together, they hustle the Chevrolet Captiva from zero to 100km/h in a not-too-shabby 10.8 seconds. The gearbox clunks a little, even at lower revs, but the engine stays smooth and tractable.
Interestingly, a new Eco mode has been programmed into the transmission and this improves the car’s fuel economy. Every litre burned moves this SUV about a kilometre further.
Driving the Chevrolet Captiva has become safer, too. While there is an AWD model available (for about $5000 more), this front-wheel drive version is fitted with new Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems that will make navigating steep slopes much safer.
The inside of the vehicle sees a number of changes, too. Blue lighting for the meters and display is the first thing I noticed after the sun set. Speaking of “blue”, an integrated Bluetooth function that lets you pair your mobile phone has also been included.
The Chevrolet Captiva scores highly in the stowage department. Even with seven people on board, there are still many places to store your belongings. A new one is the compartment situated between the two front seats (where the handbrake lever used to be). This box, which features a sliding cover with two cupholders, is one of the roomiest I have encountered.
As for the parking brake, it is now activated via a button located just aft of the gear lever.
Overall, the Chevrolet Captiva makes a great case for itself – where else can you find a large and roomy SUV with a fairly long standard equipment list? Sounds like decent value, especially since it costs less than most Japanese mid-sized family saloons and MPVs, anyway.
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 (A)
ENGINE 2384cc, 16-valves, inline-4
MAX POWER 167bhp at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 230Nm at 4600rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 10.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 181km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.9km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $129,999 (as of July 2011)
The Chevrolet Captiva is no longer available, but you can consider seven-seater SUVs such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
