City Slicker In Bush Guise

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday July 18, 2008

David Berthon

Despite the impact of savage petrol price hikes, the medium four-wheel-drive sector has gone against the tide, with sales up 18 per cent in the first half of this year.

The Captiva, which arrived in late 2006, gave Holden its first entry into this rapidly growing market. With sharp pricing, it quickly rose up the charts to a strong fourth, behind the Ford Territory, Toyota Kluger and the sector-leading Toyota Prado.

The Korean-built Captiva was the first vehicle to be fully developed by GM Daewoo following General Motors's takeover of the ailing Daewoo Motor Company. Importantly, Holden's key role in its development has been a strong contributor to its success, with significant local engineering and styling input.

The Captiva comes in four models - the SX, CX and LX plus a sporty Maxx variant, which has slightly different styling and more of a European feel. All models feature a 3.2-litre 169kW version of Holden's Alloytec V6 while all but the Maxx are now available with a 2.0-litre 110kW common-rail turbo diesel.

All petrol and diesel models come with a five-speed automatic gearbox, while the entry SX diesel is also available as a five-speed manual. Designed more as a city slicker than a hard-nosed four-wheel-drive, the Captiva is predominantly a front-wheel-drive. It quickly transforms into an all-wheel-drive as soon as the clutch system detects any slippage.

The diesel variant has proven the most popular in the range. Excellent torque (320Nm) particularly suits the well-spaced ratios of the automatic and is very frugal. Average fuel economy of the manual diesel is 7.6 litres/100km, the auto 8.6L/100km. The petrol V6 automatic is not as impressive in both performance and economy terms. On the same cycle it returns 11.5L/100km on 91 RON petrol but in real-world city driving uses closer to 13.5L/100km.

All models come with stability control, roll-over protection, hill descent control, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and cruise control.

High points: diesel performance, overall handling and a versatile interior, especially on the seven-seater. Low points: ride quality, unsupportive seats, and petrol engine performance and economy.

SX five-seater

2.0-litre turbo diesel manual starts at $35,990. Automatic adds $2000. 3.2-litre V6 starts at $36,990 in automatic. Safety equipment includes stability control, six airbags, roll-over protection, hill descent control and anti-lock brakes. Other equipment includes cruise control, CD player with MP3 compatibility, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, height- and reach-adjustable leather steering wheel with audio controls, a split-fold fold-flat second-row seat, power windows and mirrors and an engine immobiliser. Metallic paint is $360.

CX seven-seater

3.2-litre V6 petrol auto starts at $39,990. 2.0-litre turbo diesel auto starts at $40,990. Over the SX variants, the CX grade gains climate-control air-conditioning, level ride suspension on the petrol variant, front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, painted roof rails and a trip computer. There are fold-down second-row seats, a fold-flat third-row seat, a six-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility, a centre console compartment with two lids and sliding armrest, and chrome exhaust tips. Metallic paint is $360.

LX seven-seater

3.2-litre V6 petrol auto starts at $42,990. 2.0-litre turbo diesel auto starts at $43,990. In addition to the equipment on the CX variants, the LX models further gains leather seat trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, dashboard storage with lid, power eight-way driver's seat, stainless-steel sill plates, side fender vents, heated mirrors with auto off function and side-turn signal, satin chrome roof rails, a flexible cargo net, glovebox cooling and illuminated vanity mirrors with a cover for the driver and front passenger. Metallic paint is $360.

Maxx five-seater

3.2-litre V6 five-speed auto starts at $43,990. The Maxx has the same equipment as the LX models except for 18-inch alloy wheels, black sill plates, a storage tray under the front passenger seat, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a roof-mounted radio antenna, a cargo blind and front parking sensors. Metallic paint is $360.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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