Chevrolet Captiva

Inside, the Chevrolet Captiva comes with a minimalist cabin design that is easy to get accustomed to. Up front, the driver is greeted by a 7-inch diagonal multi-coloured information display that shows the fuel range, fuel economy, speed setting, and the tyre pressure monitoring system. Its cockpit also comes with a urethane-wrapped 3-spoked multi-control steering wheel with a flat bottom and a modern-looking gear lever.

For entertainment and information accessibility, this MPV is equipped with a 10.4-inch touchscreen display that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and AM/FM radio. This display is connected to a 6-speaker sound system for the Premier trim, while the LTZ trim gets the 4-speaker counterpart. 

This MPV’s first and second rows offer good amounts of headroom and legroom, while its third row is more suited for kids or smaller passengers in general. On the plus side, it offers 666 liters of trunk space with the third-row seats folded, expanding to as much as 1,709 liters with the second-row seats also folded. The higher-spec Premier features leather seats, while the base LTZ gets the perforated leather counterparts. Regardless of the material, its seats provide all passengers with decent cushioning and ergonomics. Aside from that, this MPV also comes with four Type-A USB ports and a 12V power outlet. 

The Chevrolet Captiva features a versatile design that blends practicality with rugged styling. At the front, it sports an imposing grille with horizontal slats, proudly displaying the brand’s iconic bow tie badge. Its bold-looking fascia is illuminated by slim LED DRLs and LED projector headlamps underneath (halogen projectors for the base LTZ trim). It also comes with front fog lamps. Additionally, a blacked-out bumper adds more ruggedness to its demeanor. 

Aside from that, its side profile exudes a mix of sportiness and elegance, complemented by sharp character lines, muscular wheel arches finished in black, and 18-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels. It comes with power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and a heating function. 

At the back, it features angular LED tail lamps, another pair of fog lamps, and a high-mount stop lamp for increased visibility, especially at night. A spoiler along with a rear bumper with faux quad exhaust tips add a high-performance touch to this MPV’s overall look on the road. And, for a more premium feel, the Premier trim gets a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of dimensions, the Chevrolet Captiva measures 4,670 mm in length, 1,835 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height. This MPV also comes with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm and a ground clearance of 180 mm.

In terms of suspension, the Chevrolet Captiva comes with MacPherson Struts at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. This MPV absorbs bumps and other road imperfections quite well, resulting in a supple riding experience for you and your passengers. In the city, it feels light and nimble to maneuver for an MPV. However, its steering can get a bit too light when cruising at high speeds. Thus, it would be best to hit sharp turns with extra precaution when driving this vehicle.

The Chevrolet Captiva model line is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC with DVCP (Dual Variable Cam Phasing) engine that produces 150 PS of maximum power and 255 Nm of maximum torque. This MPV comes mated to a continuously variable transmission system and utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain.

The Captiva is quick and capable on the open road. It doesn’t feel underpowered even when cruising at high speeds with a full load. Its CVT is also smooth and doesn’t exhibit that so-called “rubber band effect.” Practicality-wise, its fuel economy is still pretty decent for everyday city commuting.

In terms of safety, the Chevrolet Captiva model line is equipped with cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, an anti-theft alarm system with an engine immobilizer, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and other passive security features. The higher-spec Premier also comes with front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. 

This MPV comes with front ventilated disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes. Its braking setup is also supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and a brake assist.

The Chevrolet Captiva is a very versatile vehicle that combines a crossover’s city-friendly maneuverability, an SUV’s road presence, and an MPV’s practical features. It definitely has the potential to become more competitive in its segment if the brand addresses its current weaknesses and shortcomings.