CHEVROLET Captiva · photos, packages and modifications

Chevrolet Captiva was launched with two different looks - the entry-level 5 seater which came with a front-wheel drive, and the better equipped and more efficient 7 seater which came with a four-wheel drive. The older model of the 7 seater Chevrolet Captiva had a durable diesel engine and a four-wheel drive transmission system. Last year, a simplified version was introduced. It was simpler to understand in terms of its engine although it can't be termed as one of the best models. Although top-spec LTZ models have a lush interior with comfortable leather seats, they are quite expensive.

Chevrolet Captiva is a car worth noticing. It has a huge, square framework with a solid plastic body and black colored railings on the roof. Though not the choice of all consumers, the car is highly regarded by those who like its typical brash look which is similar to that of all US 4x4s. The LS and LT Models have the 17-inch standard alloy wheels but the Flagship LTZ has 19-inch wheels and is a lot more advanced. The car has tinted glass, leather seats, fog lights and aluminum skid plates in the front and at the back. Moreover, unlike the LS models, Flagship LTZ also has inbuilt systems for cruising and climate controlling.

The updated model of Chevrolet Captiva surely enjoys five-star rating from Euro NCAP. This in itself is a big achievement since the older version was rated as a four-star. The newer version passes all basic tests. All the models have inbuilt measures to ensure pedestrian and child safety. Moreover, all the models provide safety in terms of traction and hill descent. 5 seaters and 7 seaters can be easily booted at 465 litres with a maximum booting value at 1565 litres which can be reached only after folding the back seats. The basic difference between the two models can be seen in terms of seating space. The 7 seaters are more flexible. The two extra chairs that are provided in 7 seaters can be folded into the trunk. Though a bigger automobile, it cannot seat adults in a comfortable manner, in the third row, for long journeys. Yet, unlike Hyundai Santa Fe, this car enjoys the luxury of having movable seats which are situated on adjacent sides of the middle row.

In conclusion, updated models of Chevrolet Captiva have a firmer suspension and heavier anti-roll bars which makes it easier to handle the car on the roads. The newer versions have smoother engines which come with 161 bhp or 182 bhp and can hold up to 2.2 liters of diesel. Although the newer models have a firm grip and come with inbuilt hill descent controls, there is no significant difference when comparing the older and the new model on the basis of performance. Moreover, the automobile has a six-speed manual gearbox which is quite difficult to handle. Though an automatic gearbox is available, it is slower in comparison to the manual one. The car falls short in comparison to the top 4x4s for it lacks poise and can get out of hands easily.