Captiva-ting a new audience
Among the vehicles I did not expect to be particularly memorable, the Chevrolet Captiva has etched its place, thanks to a family trip to the beach some years ago. We’re glad to see that the nameplate is once again active as an all-new vehicle. The Chevrolet Captiva seeks to combine the style and performance of a seven-seat SUV with the versatility and functionality of an MPV.
Start with the Euro-inspired exterior. The design is neat, if a little generic, with styling flourishes like the clamshell-type hatchback making it stand out. The daytime running lights are mounted high up flanking the grille, while the actual headlamps are mounted on the bumper—these are LED type on the Premier variant. 18-inch wheels are standard on the Captiva, as are rear spoiler, roof rails, and rear fog light. The Premier adds a panoramic glass sunroof to the mix. Captiva is relatively compact for a seven-seater, measuring 4670mm long x 1835mm wide x 1750mm tall, with a 2750-mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 180mm.
Inside, the Captiva features leather seats and satin chrome trim. Captiva has seating for seven in three rows of seats. You can fold the third row flat easily from the trunk, with the pull of a couple of levers, in two separate sections. What you get is an enormous cargo space, measuring 666 liters. That goes up to a massive 1709 liters with the second row folded forward as well. With all seats up, there’s still some storage space behind them, measuring 117 liters.
The infotainment system is centered on a 10.4-inch touchscreen, portrait-oriented and slotted in the middle of the instrument panel. The screen allows for adjustment of airconditioning, audio, and also acts as the monitor for the available 360-degree camera system. You can connect your smartphone with the onboard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The parking assist system includes rear sensors and available front sensors. There are also dedicated buttons below the screen to activate some of the aircon functions. Peering behind the steering wheel, you can find the start-stop button.
Pushing that activates the Captiva’s 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine, good for 150ps and 255Nm. Power is transmitted via a CVT to the front wheels. The electric power steering makes light work of maneuvering around town or into tight parking spaces. The driver interface is a 7-inch LED screen. The display can show digital indicators for engine and vehicle speed, and can also toggle to show fuel range, fuel economy, speed setting, and tire pressure monitoring system.
The Captiva starts at an affordable P1,258,000 price point for the LTZ. The Captiva Premier goes up to 1,408,000. The higher variant adds niceties like power driver’s seat, electronic parking brake with auto hold, the panoramic moonroof, 360-degree camera, upgraded sound system, and perforated leather seats. Thankfully, Chevrolet has included the safety features as standard, including electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, brake assist and the tire pressure monitor. Families who take the new Captiva out for a drive may just form their own memorable encounters.
