Chevrolet Captiva 2.0DLTX

Designed by VM Motori of Italy, the two-litre, diesel motor displacing 1991cc is quite similar to the motor used on Chevy’s Optra Magnum but the one on the Captiva makes more power and torque.

The motor sends 148bhp to the wheels through the use of balancer shafts for extra smoothness, a high-pressure Bosch common-rail injection system as well as a Variable Geometry Turbo for better driveability.

The Captiva goes over bad patches with good body control but, of course, only a more thorough test of it on Indian roads will give us a better idea about how it performs here.

Effortless



The engine is best when used in mid-range as it feels smooth and peppy. Short or early shifting to the next gear, without pulling the motor to its boomy peak, is the driving style you soon settle for and this results in swift, effortless progress. In addition, the gearbox too is good to use and swapping gears is a sleek affair.

Hassle-free


A refined cruiser, the Chevy’s motor pulls cleanly and silently once in the meat of the powerband.

Even on the highway, it swallows miles without any effort and driving it is a hassle-free experience. Like the Optra Magnum, the Captiva’s motor too was slightly noisy when started from cold.

You also get some turbo lag or delay in the delivery of performance while the turbo gets up to speed.

This is despite the presence of a Variable Geometry Turbo that is meant to do away with lag. Try accelerating from 1200 or 1300rpm and you have to be patient as the turbo spools up.

A drive around London city revealed how relaxing this car can be. The front seats have good thigh support and the driver’s seat armrest is placed wisely.

Useful display


The dash has a minimalist design and the neat, two-tone central console looks good too.

The Captiva’s design is a successful combination of modern form and traditional lines and features like the large bonnet or cowl, big wheel arches, plastic cladding around the car and the upright dimensions all add to its style element.

Another useful feature is the information display on top of the central console.

The Captiva is a good-looking car and caught a lot of attention while on the road.

What the Captiva has against it though is the fact that certain plastics used for the buttons and switches are of inferior quality.

Though a seven-seater, the Captiva is spacious and comfortable.

GM India has planned to get the Captiva here as a fully assembled unit and this means it ain’t going to be cheap; estimated to be priced at Rs. 20 lakh.

This price might be bit much but you get your money’s worth.

The Captiva is a sturdy SUV that is stylish-looking and comfortable. In addition, it is also capable off-road and well engineered.

So if you want an attractive diesel SUV, that is good-looking and performs well, the Captiva is the car for you.

Technical Data

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0DLTX

Power 148bhp @ 4000rpm

Torque 32.6kgm @ 2000rpm

L/W/H4635/1850/1755mm

Wheelbase 2705mm

Weight 1835kg


Engine 4-cyls in-line, 1991cc

Compression ratio 17.5:1

Bore/stroke 83.0/92.0mm

Gearbox type 5-speed auto

Front suspension:

MacPherson

struts, coil springs,

anti-roll bar

Rear suspension: Multi-link,

coil springs, anti-roll bar

Front brakes: 296mm

ventilated discs

Rear brakes: 303mm

ventilated discs

Tyres 235/55 R18