New Chevrolet Captiva: Compact SUV debut

Set to arrive in the Middle East in late 2006, the vehicle will be available in a choice of 2.4 litre four-cylinder and 3.2 litre V6 engines, offering dynamic driving performance. The Captiva will also be available with an in-built electronic stability program (ESP).

"The Chevrolet brand continues to grow at a phenomenal rate in the Middle East," said Gerry Groenewegen, regional director of Chevrolet. "Selling 73,276 units in the region in 2005, up 22 per cent over the previous year, Chevrolet is really making its mark on the regional automotove market. With the arrival of the new Captiva later this year set to give us access to a new and growing vehicle segment, and more exciting new products to be unveiled in 2006, we are confident that Chevrolet will continue its success well into the future."

The Captiva offers expressive design and a spacious, convenient interior featuring high quality fabrics and materials. The new compact SUV measures 4,639/1,849/1,726 mm (length/width/height) and with a wheelbase of 2,707 mm. It will be available with seven or five seats respectively.

Customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants. The latter variant features an-active-on demand, four-wheel-drive-system. As driving conditions demand, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ARP (Active-Rollover Protection).

The base engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 142 hp at 5,200 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Captiva 2.4 average fuel consumption is 9.9 L per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 225 hp at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque is 302 Nm at 3500 rpm.

Suspension layout consists of a McPherson strut configuration in front and an independent four link design in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four wheels. Four cylinder versions come standard with 215/70 R 16 tyres on 6.5J x 16 inch wheels, while the V6 rolls on 235/60 R 17 tyres on 7.0J x 17 inch wheels.