Chevy's Euro Division Shows New 7-Seat, Diesel-Powered SUVEver since the collapse of Daewoo automotive and
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| GMDAT is making leaps and bounds in design and engineering. Look no further than the new Captiva for proof. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
General Motors' outright purchase of it, the Korean manufacturer's rebranded products have led the European rennaissance of Chevrolet, the most American of nameplates. 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 GM's compact SUV architecture, is more of a compact SUV than its North American cousins, the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Its vital measurements are 4,639 mm (182.6 in.) in length, 1,849 mm (72.8 in.) in width, 1,726 mm (68.0 in.) in height, while it rides on a wheelbase of 2,707 mm (106.6). By comparison, the Canadian-built Equinox/Torrent is nearly 16 cm (6.3 in.) longer, and has a wheelbase that's almost 10 cm (3.9 in.) 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.
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| It's significantly smaller than GM's current compact SUV, yet offers a third row. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Chevrolet claims that its latest vehicle was designed and engineered specifically for the European market, catering to that market's 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 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 that's 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 isn't 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 integrated into the Captiva's 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
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| Optional 150-hp Turbodiesel and 225-hp V6 power give Captiva real muscle. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
gasoline and one turbo diesel. Base models are powered by a rather ordinary 2.4-litre DOHC inline four that generates 142 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It trails behind the four-cylinder versions of Toyota's and Honda's 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-litre V6 with 223 lb-ft of torque, GM's 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.
