The New Real SUV Captiva Packs More Pace, Power and Purpose

SEOUL--(Korea Newswire)--GM Korea Company today launched its fifth Chevrolet model in two months, the new Chevrolet Captiva SUV.

The new Captiva offers improved performance and fuel economy with its new 2.2-liter VCDi Euro 5 diesel engine and 2.4-liter DOHC Ecotec gasoline engine, along with a premium six-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with six air bags for outstanding safety and features a fresh exterior design.

Amid all the changes and improvements that have been made from the previous generation, the new Captiva retains advantages such as adaptable seating in three rows, which can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, and an electronically controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which distributes power as it is needed.

“With a strong, fresh bold front fascia design and improved performance, the new Captiva will provide the best value to our customers at home and abroad. This is what Chevrolet stands for,” said Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of GM Korea. “Along with the other new models we are launching, our new SUV will help strengthen Chevrolet’s image in Korea.”

Pleasing performance and fuel economy

The two new Captiva engines both offer a smooth, purposeful and efficient driving experience, and make the new Captiva one of the most powerful compact SUVs on the market.

Those who select the diesel engine can be sure of receiving the latest in diesel technology and efficiency. The new 2.2-liter engine is an advanced, four-cylinder dual overhead cam (DOHC) turbocharged unit that features a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with intercooler.

A reduced compression ratio enables the new Captiva to achieve higher power output of 184 ps at 3800 rpm compared to its predecessor but with better fuel economy and lower emissions. Fuel consumption is 13.9 km/L (FWD), and the emission level meets the contingent Euro 5 standard.

An integral part of the new Captiva's powertrain is its new six-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic has been engineered with a wide spread of gear ratios to optimize the correlation between performance and fuel economy. While the first gear is “steep” to enable fast takeoff, a tall sixth gear lowers engine revs at higher speeds, maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing internal noise and vibration.

Alternatively, a six-speed manual gearbox is available for 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine.

Strong exterior design

The new Captiva features dynamic new front-end styling, which is dominated by bold fascia treatments. A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front: a reshaped and sharply sculptured hood, a new larger dual mesh grille with Chevrolet hallmarks such as dual openings and a “bow-tie” badge that sits proudly in the middle, and new cylindrical prism-style headlamps and integrated turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors.

Moving to the front fenders, the side air vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva's sporting intentions. Viewing the new model from the A-pillars on back, the new Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a subtle rising shoulder line. All of these design changes contribute to a stronger, more athletic stance while ensuring that the new Captiva has a look that is immediately recognizable as one of the new breed of Chevrolets.

The re-sculptured and more muscular wheel arches can accommodate wheel sizes of up to 19 inches, a first for the segment in Korea.

Upgraded interior design and convenience

Onboard the new Captiva, the driver and passengers are welcomed by an airy and spacious interior with considerable storage areas and the choice of either five or seven seats.

Clever flush-fold EZ-Tech second- and third-row split seating easily transforms the Captiva from a spacious seven-seat people mover to an ample cargo carrier. Smart storage spaces are in abundance. They include a center console and second-row armrest compartments, front and rear cup holders, and front and rear door pockets.

The inclusion of an electric park brake, which is appearing for the first time in the new Captiva’s segment in Korea, adds elegance to the interior by removing the traditional bulky lever and creating space for a multipurpose storage compartment.

The Captiva cabin has a more up-market feel and look with its black interior color and ice blue illumination. It is also equipped with upgraded features such as front and rear park assist, an MP3-compatible CD player with aux-in, Bluetooth, 7-inch touch screen navigation, ESS (emergency stop signal), and HVAC-redundant remote controls on the steering wheel.

Passengers will enjoy their audio experience all the more thanks to a raft of engineering improvements to interior acoustics, including improved isolation of the windshield, doors and headliners, which has reduced road, wind and engine noise. In addition, audio speakers have been repositioned in the doors for better sound.

Abundant passive and active safety

Passive safety is well catered for with the inclusion of six air bags – dual front and side air bags for the driver and front passenger and curtain air bags for the outer rear passengers – and three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats. Isofix anchor points are fitted to the outer seats of the second row to facilitate the quick and secure fitting of child seats.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system incorporates anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and active rollover protection. It also incorporates the active AWD system, which determines requirements for optimum traction.

The new Captiva marks the introduction of Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology, which holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 percent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer start from standstill.

It is also fitted with a descent control system, which maintains a slow speed for navigating steep downhill gradients.

The new Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 liter diesel model with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive comes in two trim levels, which are priced from KRW 25.5 million for the LS MT (FWD) to KRW 35.8 million for the LTZ (AWD). The 2.4 liter gasoline model with front-wheel drive is priced at KRW 26.6 million.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio in Korea includes the iconic Camaro performance car and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as the Spark, Aveo, Cruze and Orlando. More information regarding Chevrolet models and its market-leading warranty can be found at www.chevrolet.co.kr.

About GM Korea Company

GM Korea is Korea‘s third-largest automotive company, and represents one of GM’s largest manufacturing, design and technology hubs. It operates five manufacturing facilities in Korea as well as an assembly facility in Vietnam. In 2010, GM Korea sold domestically and exported more than 1.84 million vehicles, including CKD products, primarily under the Chevrolet brand. GM Korea produces one out of every four Chevrolets sold worldwide. It provides market- and brand-specific vehicle kits for assembly at GM facilities in China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, India, Colombia, Russia and other countries. Vehicles and kits from GM Korea are offered in more than 150 markets on six continents. Additional information on GM Korea and its products can be found on the company’s website at media.gm-korea.co.kr.

Website: http://media.gm-korea.co.kr

This is a news release distributed by Korea Newswire on behalf of this company.