CHEVROLET CAPTIVA test drive since 2011 crossover
In the spirit of time
The main ingredients of the updated Chevrolet Captiva, which enters European markets in the spring, aggressive design, powerful engines and a modernized interior. The meeting with the updated Chevrolet Captiva happened in the Austrian Alps, where a test drive was organized for journalists both on public roads and on a special snow track.
The visual impression is the most important thing, and here Captiva has something to boast. Not to say that the design has left the previous version, but now the crossover is perceived more aggressively and confident, and most importantly, the changed front part organically entered the model in the actual modeling range of Chevrolet along with Spark, Cruze and Orlando. Perception was changed with the help of an enlarged radiator grill with a division into two parts characteristic of Chevrolet, a muscular hood, a new bumper with integrated fog. Top configurations are distinguished by rear lamps in the Lexus style. To emphasize the sports claims of the new model, the side air intakes made more angular ones, in addition, the repeaters of the turning indicators are now built into the rear -view mirrors. Plastic unpainted overlays on the wheel arches and the lower part of the bumper are very practical, but the too low arrangement of the lips from it would remain the memories of the first more than a deeper pit or high border.
Looking into the specification, I find completely new numbers. We are talking about a new line of engines in the spirit of modern trends, motors have become more powerful and economical. Now you can choose from two gasoline engines with working volumes of 2.4 and 3.0 liters, as well as two options for a 2.2-liter turbodiesel with different power. New gearboxes are relied on new motors. A six -speed automatic is characterized by changed gear rates that are designed to achieve a compromise between power characteristics and fuel efficiency. Acceleration in the first gear has become more dynamic, and the increase in the sixth transmission helps to reduce the level of noise and vibrations and, of course, fuel consumption. A six-speed mechanical box is equipped with a version with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, as well as with 2.2-liter turbodiesels.
The main ingredients of the updated Chevrolet Captiva, which enters European markets in the spring, aggressive design, powerful engines and a modernized interior.
The meeting with the updated Chevrolet Captiva happened in the Austrian Alps, where a test drive was organized for journalists both on public roads and on a special snow track.
The visual impression is the most important thing, and here Captiva has something to boast. Not to say that the design has left the previous version, but now the crossover is perceived more aggressively and confident, and most importantly, the changed front part organically entered the model in the actual modeling range of Chevrolet along with Spark, Cruze and Orlando. Perception was changed with the help of an enlarged radiator grill with a division into two parts characteristic of Chevrolet, a muscular hood, a new bumper with integrated fog. Top configurations are distinguished by rear lamps in the Lexus style. To emphasize the sports claims of the new model, the side air intakes made more angular ones, in addition, the repeaters of the turning indicators are now built into the rear -view mirrors. Plastic unpainted overlays on the wheel arches and the lower part of the bumper are very practical, but the too low arrangement of the lips from it would remain the memories of the first more than a deeper pit or high border.
Looking into the specification, I find completely new numbers. We are talking about a new line of engines in the spirit of modern trends, motors have become more powerful and economical. Now you can choose from two gasoline engines with working volumes of 2.4 and 3.0 liters, as well as two options for a 2.2-liter turbodiesel with different power. New gearboxes are relied on new motors. A six -speed automatic is characterized by changed gear rates that are designed to achieve a compromise between power characteristics and fuel efficiency. Acceleration in the first gear has become more dynamic, and the increase in the sixth transmission helps to reduce the level of noise and vibrations and, of course, fuel consumption. A six-speed mechanical box is equipped with a version with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, as well as with 2.2-liter turbodiesels. The new 2.2-liter power unit, which has two modifications at a power of 163 or 184 hp, appeared more interesting. Only the first option will be sold in Russia. In combination with an automatic box, the car accelerates very assaulted, which is confirmed by passport data of acceleration to 100 km/h (9.9 s), and most importantly, such a Captiva seemed more collected and accurate in management. Most likely, the changed settings of the steering amplifier are contributed. Given the amazing economy (only 7.7 liters in the configuration with automatic), diesel modification has every chance of becoming a sales hit.
Further, our path lay to the tops of the Alps, where it was possible to check the off -road abilities of the car. A special Captiva Snow Camp Camp consisted of a ring track marked with cones. It was proposed to evaluate the behavior of the car on an impromptu losen test during acceleration and braking in loose snow. It should be noted that the new Captiva can now be equipped with front -wheel drive, but only all -wheel drive versions will be sold in Russia. Full -wheel drive here is connected. That is, most of the time in normal road conditions, the entire power is transmitted to the front bridge, and the rear drive is automatically connected using an electrically controlled coupling only if necessary. Already in the Captiva database is equipped with a dynamic ESC dynamic stabilization system, TCS anti -wings system and a BAS inhibition system, and they are fully integrated into all -wheel drive operation. Thanks to this set, the car is ready to obediently follow the driver’s teams, extinguishing the drifts in time. Electronics very quickly throws the torque to the desired wheel when losing the clutch with the road.
The second part of the route was designed to demonstrate the operation of the touling system for lifting the HSA, which first appeared on Captiva this year. The device properly holds the car on slopes for 1.5 s after the release of the brake pedal, and then allows you to move smoothly without rolling back. Of course, no one expected miracles from the car, but the directions that can be driven without fear of cosmetic damage, Captiva will overcome without much effort. However, buyers have other priorities, the main of which is practical and versatility. Chevrolet Captiva has always been famous for a spacious and light salon. As before, a 5-seater and 7-seater version is proposed, in which the seats of the third row are installed, as in the theater, slightly higher than the level of the previous rows. There are plenty of places behind even tall passengers, and the passage to the third row is lightweight thanks to the folding seats of the second row. If you fold all the seats, you can get one of the largest baggage compartments in the class of crossovers, the volume of which reaches 1577 liters. Free space was chosen due to the use of a parking brake with an electric drive. Now it is turned on by a button located on the central console, and two cup holders and a compartment for storing things have been placed in the freed back of the console.
Fresh seats upholstery, chrome rings around updated air ducts and other decor elements are noteworthy. All this gave the interior a more prestigious appearance. The new audio system has the AUX and Bluetooth inputs with the control of devices from the steering wheel. A navigator with a 7-inch display can conduct anywhere, given the full set of European road maps. True, the screen brings quite strongly in the sun, so it is worth listening to voice accompaniment, so as not to drive the right turn.
Production to European markets is scheduled for spring 2011. For Russian dealers, the car will appear in November, prices will be declared later.
A source: Magazine Cars and Prices 03/15/2011.
