Not so long ago the launch of a "Chevrolet for Europe" would have put paid to any chance that we'd see it in North America, but those days are long gone.
With GM of Canada increasingly going its own way with models that don't go on sale in the U.S., there is more of a chance that something as interesting as the Captiva might find its way across the Atlantic.
It can be had with all-wheel-drive, which is important here, and is certainly big enough for our market, thanks to its 4,635/1,850/1,720 mm (length/width/height) dimensions, sitting on a wheelbase of 2,705 mm.
It can also be equipped to seat seven, but Europeans are either all smaller than we are or more willing to imitate sardines, so we'd probably stick with the five-seat model.
It also comes with three engines that would meet Canadian standards, starting with a 2.4-litre I-4 and a 3.2-litre V-6 and stretching to a 2-litre I-4. Power ratings always change from European to North American standards, but the figures for Europe make it clear that any of those engines would service Canadian driving demands.
The 2.4-litre puts out 133 hp at 5,000 rpm and about 165 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm, while the V-6 is good for 225 hp and about 225 lb-ft of torque. The diesel does 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Inside the striking Captiva exterior is a flexible seat arrangement that can be folded flat throughout, which speaks directly to the Canadian appreciation for practicality.
Value for money to the customer was the key concern, Chevrolet says, and that also means a lot to Canadians, who seem to be moving to smaller models in recent months, perhaps out of concern for possible future fuel costs.
According to Chevrolet, Captiva's "expressive design can be described as strong, sophisticated and sporty".
Furthermore, it's "a spacious, practical and tough vehicle designed with optimum on-road ride and handling characteristics but highly capable in difficult weather and road conditions."
If driving conditions dictate, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also works with the stability control and anti-lock brake systems, "enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins.
The stability control has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control), ARP (Active-Rollover Protection), FBS (Fading Brake Support) and TSA (Trailer Stabilization Assist).
The tailgate with its integrated opening window underlines the practical side of the Captiva, Chevrolet says. All seats save the driver's can be folded forward and down, achieving a flat surface.
Style and function are said to be the chief character traits of the interior design, with "high class materials and an impressive level of fit and finish."
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| (Photo: General Motors) |
It can be had with all-wheel-drive, which is important here, and is certainly big enough for our market, thanks to its 4,635/1,850/1,720 mm (length/width/height) dimensions, sitting on a wheelbase of 2,705 mm.
It can also be equipped to seat seven, but Europeans are either all smaller than we are or more willing to imitate sardines, so we'd probably stick with the five-seat model.
It also comes with three engines that would meet Canadian standards, starting with a 2.4-litre I-4 and a 3.2-litre V-6 and stretching to a 2-litre I-4. Power ratings always change from European to North American standards, but the figures for Europe make it clear that any of those engines would service Canadian driving demands.
The 2.4-litre puts out 133 hp at 5,000 rpm and about 165 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm, while the V-6 is good for 225 hp and about 225 lb-ft of torque. The diesel does 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque.
 |
| (Photo: General Motors) |
Value for money to the customer was the key concern, Chevrolet says, and that also means a lot to Canadians, who seem to be moving to smaller models in recent months, perhaps out of concern for possible future fuel costs.
According to Chevrolet, Captiva's "expressive design can be described as strong, sophisticated and sporty".
Furthermore, it's "a spacious, practical and tough vehicle designed with optimum on-road ride and handling characteristics but highly capable in difficult weather and road conditions."
If driving conditions dictate, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also works with the stability control and anti-lock brake systems, "enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins.
 |
| (Photo: General Motors) |
The tailgate with its integrated opening window underlines the practical side of the Captiva, Chevrolet says. All seats save the driver's can be folded forward and down, achieving a flat surface.
Style and function are said to be the chief character traits of the interior design, with "high class materials and an impressive level of fit and finish."