CHEVROLET CAPTIVA

3.2 V6 LTZ AWD Automatic

The legend lives on. 1911 saw the birth of an automotive legend, the Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan. With it's headquarters in the historic heart  of the American automotive  industry, "Motor City" Detroit, Louis Chevrolet set out to build a brand for all. Almost a century later, Chevrolet is still making dreams comes true. From muscle cars to to modern suburban commuters, from the Corvette, Camaro and Lumina, to the gorgeous Captiva on test here.

The instantly recognisable "Bowtie" logo, adorning the grille of every Chevrolet comes with the promise of a car that is reliable, quality and value for money, as well as something exciting. And the Captiva boasts all those attributes, it's a quality product, with lots of exciting features, yet still practical.

The Captiva successfully combines ruggedness with style in a mid-size SUV. The proportions are just right for a modern and agile SUV with the Captiva coming in at 4 635 mm in length, 1 850 mm wide and 1 755 mm high. Featuring smart silver-effect front and rear skid plates, large jewelled headlamps and coupe-like window line, the Captiva combines bold features with dynamic lines for a vehicle that is well proportioned and rugged without being too imposing. The Captiva comes from the Chevrolet SX3 concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2004.
 

Chevrolet's answer to BM's X3 (I think)

While the Captiva 3,2 LTZ has a 24-valve all aluminium V6 motor, producing 169 kW at 6 600 rpm and 297 Nm at 3 200 rpm, it also features a five-speed automatic gearbox, with On Demand All Wheel Drive. This all-wheel drive system is only engaged when the system senses that the front wheels are providing less than optimised traction. An electronic clutch makes the transition to AWD instantaneous. The AWD system also interacts with the ABS and ESP systems to further enhance vehicle control.

the luxurious Chevy Captiva

Captiva’s appeal goes beyond practicality though. The cabin is modern, and new levels of quality add to Chevrolet’s fit and finish with high-grade materials.
Power steering, electric remote mirrors, radio/MP3, ABS with EBD and driver and passenger front dual-stage airbags with side airbags are standard.

with enough room to seat seven adults in comfort and style

Chevy’s advanced chassis design is at the heart of a group of active and passive safety features designed to protect passengers in the event of a collision and it’s body shell is made from high strength, bake-hardened steel for excellent overall rigidity and resistance to impact damage. Crumple zones are employed all around the vehicle to absorb impact energy.

the Captiva's rear seats (6 & 7) can fold down for a bigger cargo area

The interior features a clever seating layout that provides a multitude of flexible seating options for seven occupants, while the second and third row of seats fold completely flat to optimise versatility in the load area. With the front passenger seat folded, a load length of 2,7 metres is created, with a massive 1 565 litres of load capacity. Even in 7-seat configuration, there is still a useable 85 litres of cargo space.

plush interior with all the mod cons plus leather seats

the Captiva's cockpit is clean and neat, all controls within easy reach

Quick Specs:

Engine type: 3.2 litre V6 Petrol  -  HFV6

Capacity: 3,195cc

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves)

Bore x Stroke: 89 x 85.6 mm

Compression Ratio: 10.2 : 1

Maximum Power: 169 kW @ 6,600 rpm

Maximum Torque: 297 Nm @ 3,200 rpm

Fuel System: Multi-Point Injection

Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Brakes: 228 mm Ventilated Discs on all four wheels

Tyre size: 235/55 R18

Fuel Tank: 65 litre

Overall Length: 4,635 mm

Overall Width: 1,850 mm

Overall Height: 1,720 mm

Curb Weight: 1,880 kg

Gross Weight: 2,440 kg

Top Speed: 204 kph

Prices:
Captiva FWD 7-Seater 2.4 LT R244 300
Captiva AWD 7-Seater 2.4 LT R272 300
Captiva AWD 7-Seater 2.0 D LTZ R319 900
Captiva V6 LTZ AWD 7-Seater 3.2 V6 LTZ A/T R329 900 (our test vehicle)

Prices include VAT and a 3-year/100 000 km Service Plan. Both 3-year and 5-year maintenance plans are available as an option. Service intervals are 15 000 km or 1 year. The warranty cover is 3 years/100 000 km and includes Roadside Assistance for the warranty period.

3.2 litre HFV6, 24 valve motor is more than adaquate

as you can see, the V6 Captiva is no slouch, I managed just 6 kph short of their claimed top speed of 204, before I ran out of road.

and that was on the reef, at 1533 m above sea level, with the mirrors folded back, everything off and the tank almost empty.

Thanks to Tim Hendon, Carel and his team at General Motors South Africa for the drive,

We enjoyed the comfort and luxury of the Chevrolet Captiva V6 LTZ AWD immensely.