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Chevrolet to Debut All-New Captiva Compact SUV at Geneva

Chevys Euro Division Shows New 7-Seat, Diesel-Powered SUV

Since its collapse and outright purchase of Daewoo automotive, General Motors has re-established the great American nameplate, Chevrolet, in Europe. Last year alone, Chevrolet sold 240,000 vehicles in Europe, impressive for a brand that launched halfway through 2004. For 2006, things are continuing to look up, with the launch of the GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto & Technology) designed Captiva compact SUV, the first new vehicle to be engineered as a Chevrolet for the European market.

The Captiva, based off of GMs compact SUV architecture, is more of a compact SUV than its North American cousins, the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Its vital measurements are 182.6 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, 68.0 inches in height, while it rides on a wheelbase of 106.6 inches. By comparison, the Canadian-built Equinox/Torrent is nearly

GMDAT is making leaps and bounds in design and engineering. Look no further than the new Captiva for proof. (Photo: General Motors)

6.3 inches longer, and has a wheelbase thats almost 3.9 inches more in length. Furthermore, the Captiva ups the bar on the North American car by offering the option of a third row, allowing seven passengers to be carried on board, something many new compact SUVs are doing.

Chevrolet claims that its latest vehicle was designed and engineered specifically for the European market, catering to that markets unique tastes, unlike the current range, which consists completely of rebadged Daewoos. Though R&D, design, and engineering took place in Korea, as will assembly, this is the most European looking GMDAT product to date. Its lines are hardly diluted from the handsome

Its significantly smaller than GMs current compact SUV, yet offers a third row. (Photo: General Motors)

S3X Concept vehicle on which it is based, although the production model does feature matte black trim on the lower bumper and wheel arches.

The Captiva, like most compact sport utes, offers buyers a choice between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in order to suit peoples budgets and general needs. While the drivetrain of the FWD Captiva is self-explanatory, the four-wheel drive version uses a power distribution system thats less familiar. Like the new Dodge Caliber, the Captiva incorporates an electro-magnetic coupling that actuates a shift of power to the rear wheels when loss of grip is detected. Provided off-roading isnt a part of your daily commute, the system delivers the benefits of improved grip and traction on slippery and wet conditions, without seriously impacting fuel consumption. Its electronically controlled nature allows it to be seamlessly

Optional 150-hp Turbodiesel and 225-hp V6 power give Captiva real muscle. (Photo: General Motors)

integrated into the Captivas active safety systems, which include ESP stability control, ARP (anti-rollover protection), and four wheel ABS discs with brake assist - all of which come standard.

In Europe, the Captiva will be offered with three engines - two gasoline and one turbo diesel. Base models are powered by a rather ordinary 2.4-liter DOHC inline four that generates 142 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It trails behind the four-cylinder versions of Toyotas and Hondas compact utes, but matches the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage twins on power. For those who want a little more get-go, the Captiva will also be offered with a 225 horsepower 3.2-liter V6 with 223 lb-ft of torque, GMs latest modular engine series engineered by its Australian division, Holden. While more and more compact utes are being offered with V6 power in North America, the Captiva will set the bar in Europe as one of the most powerful vehicles in its class.
As for diesel power, the Captiva is the first golden bowtie vehicle to bear

Minor changes from the S3X Concept yeild the Captiva. Its the most European-looking GMDAT vehicle to date. (Photo: General Motors)

a turbodiesel engine. Developed by GMDAT in conjunction with Italian diesel expert VM Motori, this highly advanced 2.0-liter inline-four features four valves per cylinder and direct injection that enable it to produce 150 horsepower and a robust 229 lb-ft of torque as low as 2,000 rpm. Compared to the inline-four that uses 22 mpg of fuel, the Captiva diesel sips 29 mpg, when driven on a mix of city and highway roads. The Captiva is first in line to receive this efficient motor, but other Chevrolets, including the Evanda midsize sedan, are expected to get a version starting late 2006.

Chevrolet will be offering the Captiva in many of its markets, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Central America and South America. It seems that only the U.S. and Canada are off the list, but this may change sooner, rather than later.

Opel and Vauxhall, GMs prime European brands are set to get their own version of the Captiva in a matter of months, which will most likely make its way across the Atlantic as the next Saturn VUE. In the mean time, the Captiva will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in about a months time, with first deliveries taking place in June.

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