The last time I was on the Upington runway the temperature was nearing the 40 degrees Celsius mark and I was planning a cover shoot for the January 2008 issue of CAR. Among the thirteen cars gathered for the feature were a rare Pagani, a bright orange Lamborghini and two very fast Porsches. At the time, we selected the Upington facility as the location for the Performance Shootout because its extra long runway (able to welcome a space shuttle should the need arise) could comfortably accommodate top speed runs in our high performance machinery. Four years later, I was barreling foot flat down the same runway later in a seven-seater SUV…. It was always going to feel just a tad strange.
General Motors South Africa somewhat mysteriously selected the Upington runway on which to conduct the first part of its launch programme for the new Chevrolet Captiva. With strict instructions not to hassle the pace car we were afforded the opportunity to complete a carefully marked out “high-speed” slalom in each of the four new Captiva models.
The new car certainly builds on the successful styling formula established by the outgoing model. An aggressive new front end, incorporating Chevrolets trademark dual-port grille, adds a new sense of presence to this SUV, while a redesigned rear includes a convenient new split-level tailgate.
For my first excursion down the runway I had to change gears manually in the new 123 kW, 2,4-litre petrol, LT model. With power directed exclusively to the front wheels this entry-level Captiva (set to retail at R299 000) produces 230 N.m of torque and offers a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of just 8,8 litres/100 km. Although the six-speed manual transmission has positive and precise shift action, my initial suspicion (that the automatic transmission might suit this package a bit better) was confirmed during the afternoon drive from Upington to the remarkably peaceful town of Kakamas. Indeed, even though a part-time all-wheel drive version of the 2,4-litre LT, mated with the six-speed manual transmission, is also available, I expect the FWD LT auto to be the pick of the range.
While a diesel version is still in the pipeline, the second new engine option available immediately is a direct injection 3,0-litre V6. This petrol engine, mated exclusively with the aforementioned automatic transmission, offers 190 kW and 288 N.m of torque.
Curiously, the larger engine model is the only new Captiva to feature top-of-the-range LTZ specification. Even though the lower specification on the less powerful LT models is comprehensive, including air conditioning, running boards, colour-coding, a multi-function steering wheel, comprehensive audio system, ABS, traction control, hill-hold, Isofix anchorage points and six airbags, there are small touches like the comprehensive trip computer, including compass, range indicator, and outside temperature gauge, that should really be standard throughout the range. As it stands, the LTZ specification adds, among other niceties, climate control, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
On the road, the new Captiva feels solid and nicely put together, even though a few rattles were evident on the final day of a four-day launch cycle that incorporated sections of uneven gravel road. All Captiva models feature a convenient, easy to operate, seven-seat configuration, with the third row hardly evident while folded away. Rake and reach adjustment on the steering wheel, together with height adjustment on the driver’s seat combine to offer a comfortable driving position for drivers of all shapes and sizes, while rear legroom remains impressive even with the driver’s seat adjusted to fit a six-foot two frame.
The new Chevrolet Captiva looks set to build on the reputation for comfort, versatility and value established by the first generation model, even though the competition in this segment remains fierce. I have a suspicion that General Motors’s Korean rivals, in particular, even without the seven-seat option, will give the new Captiva a close run.
Chevrolet Captiva 2,4LT FWD M/T R299 900
Chevrolet Captiva 2,4LT FWD A/T R314 700
Chevrolet Captiva 2,4LT AWD M/T R341 200
Chevrolet Captiva 3,0LTZ A/T R434 900
Prices include a 5 year/120 000 km warranty and 3 years/60 000 km service plan.
