The Chevrolet Captiva is an interesting car, mostly due to the fact that it managed to sneak under the radar and still post impressive sales figures.
It scratches out a nice little niche for itself after Chevy decided to drop all-wheel drive derivatives from the range and started marketing it as a large and luxurious lifestyle offering.
And what an offering it is. Prices start at under R400 000, which is a massive bargain compared to other large front-wheel drive SUV offerings. Only the Kia Sorento offers this kind of space and refinement at a similar price, but the Captiva’s biggest trump card is the fact that all models come as standard with seven seats.
The facelifted vehicle will likely continue to fly under the radar thanks to its sober styling. There are a few subtle tweaks, but you’d be hard pressed to notice them.
This facelift only really starts making sense once you step inside. The pre-facelift Captiva’s centre console was festooned with buttons and cheap digital readouts, but this new model features Chevy’s new MyLink infotainment system.
You basically connect the vehicle to your phone and a whole world of entertainment opens up to your. MyLink allows you to stream online music, listen to radio stations across the world, or simply stream music directly from your phone via Bluetooth.
All of this is housed in a simple, easy to use touch-screen colour display, which has resulted in the interior feeling remarkably clutter free. It has gone from slightly over the top, to elegant and minimalistic.
It’s still over the top where it counts, however, with 769 litres of space with the second row in place and a massive 1577 litres with both the second and third row folded flat.
Engine options are carried over, which means there’s a choice between a 2,4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol (123kW/230Nm of torque) and a turbocharged 2,2-litre diesel with 135kW and 400Nm on tap.
The Captiva comes as standard with a 3-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year/120 000km warranty.
Pricing
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD M/T R 396 600.00
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD A/T R 415 500.00
Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 D LT FWD A/T R 431 300.00
