New 2011 Chevrolet Captiva: Starsky and 'Hitch'

In Egypt, producing and selling cars is a very lucrative business in terms of return on investment and hefty profit margins, which local dealers make by selling cars at grossly expensive price tags.

That this price policy is business-harming in terms of the number of units imported and sold in Egypt, giving a distorted image about the Egyptian market, is becoming quite obvious for both the specialized automotive media and car manufacturers around the globe. But more crucial and devastating is the fact, that consumers and prospects are losing trust in the corrupt Egyptian automotive market.

One of the alarming examples was the reduction of 30’000 Egyptian pounds off the price of the current marketed Chevrolet Captiva, released in a strictly time-limited bid from the 1st of August 2010 till the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. The client was invited to pay 260’000 Egyptian pounds instead of the previous price tag listed at 289’000, in what people would call a bargain sale.

With a simple calculation, that is a more than 10% reduction off the regular price!
For the experts in the automotive field, this is simply called showy generosity, which has a small but fatal hitch.

Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show (alongside the redesigned Aveo, Cruze hatchback, and Orlando MPV), the updated model Chevrolet Captiva will feature a redesigned front fascia, a larger grille, and a restyled hood. Other changes include modified headlights, revised door mirrors (with integrated LED turn signals), and new side vents.

Inside, the cabin has been outfitted with a quality 'dual-cockpit' dashboard, newly seat fabrics, and ice-blue accent lighting. Thanks to an electric parking brake, GM was able to install 1-liter cup holders in the center console, which is very beneficial for persons travelling for long distances in this car to have an energy boosting drink.

Regarding the engine assortment, two different engines are offered. The 2.4-liter petrol produces 171 hp (128 kW / 173 PS), while the interesting 2.2-liter diesel is produced in two versions producing either 163 hp (122 kW / 165 PS) or 184 hp (137 kW / 187 PS).
Transmission will be through a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission, instead of the old five-speed predecessor.

In the handling department, engineers retuned the chassis "to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel." These changes are backed up by Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Braking Assist.

These electric driving aids are very important for the Egyptian market, as they will keep the new Chevrolet Captiva on the street during abrupt maneuvers caused by incalculable traffic situations.

In case it ends with a crash, 6 Airbags will make sure to minimize the impact effect on the passengers. As a matter of fact, Chevrolet Captiva owners in Egypt only have two airbags as a protection, which is a proof that GM Egypt is saving at the wrong spot.

During a roll-over accident- which is quite possible with cars having a higher than normal center of gravity-these four airbags would be more beneficial for well-being of the passengers than body colored mirrors!

At least the Egyptian model is equipped with front and rear tow hooks to be heft, when the car ends in the ditch.
The face-lifted Chevrolet Captiva will hit dealerships in the spring of 2011.
And this is what the official Chevrolet Press Release had to say:

NEW CAPTIVA SUV FEATURES SPORTY DESIGN AND ALL-NEW ENGINE LINE-UP

• Fresh, sporty exterior look with bold Chevrolet face
• Enhanced interior with up-market look and feel
• Adaptable interior with five or seven seats and excellent storage space
• New, powerful and efficient engine line-up
• New manual and automatic six-speed transmissions
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• One of four Chevrolet world debuts at Paris Motor show

The new Captiva SUV will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, sporting a new front end design, a range of enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. Captiva will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres.

Captiva is Chevrolet's full-blooded sports SUV with confident and dynamic new styling and an active on-demand all-wheel drive system that distributes power as needed.

At the same time the new Captiva retains the advantages of its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.

The Captiva has won many friends for its exterior design since its launch in 2006, and with the new model
it will get even better. A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front, adding up to its athletic stance: the re-shaped and sharply sculptured bonnet, a new larger grille and the Chevrolet 'bow-tie' sited proudly in the middle, prism style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors.

Moving round to the front wings, the side air-vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva's sporting intent, while from the A-pillars back the Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line.

Setting the new Captiva's body off perfectly are the new exterior color palette and the accentuated wheel arches which will accommodate wheel sizes of 17 to 19 inches.

It's under the Captiva's bonnet that the most significant changes are taking place, with no less than three new powerful engines that will come as standard with a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission for a powerful, smooth drive. The new engine line-up, which is comprised of one petrol engine (2.4L) and two turbo-diesel variants (2.2L), incorporates a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.

The new 2.2 litre common rail turbo-charged diesel units will be available with either 163 or 184 hp outputs, while the 2.4-litre dual overhead cam gasoline unit with variable valve timing, is rated at 171 hp.
The new Captiva's chassis has been re-tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel.

With Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) standard, as well as front-, side- and curtain airbags, the Captiva provides a high level of safety.

Climb aboard the new Captiva and driver and passengers will still be welcomed by that airy and spacious interior, with storage space that is among best in class and with the option of either 5 or 7 seats.

The Captiva's upgraded interior now features an array of new finishes and textures including all-new seat fabrics and interior d?©cor appointments to give the car a more up-market feel and look. Designers have put to good use some of the elements featured on other new Chevrolet models, such as the ice-blue back lighting and the 'wrap-round' design of the front fascia which flows into the front driver's and passenger doors creating the dual-cockpit look.

The new Captiva features Hill Start Assist, eliminating "roll-back" on hills and an electric park brake that opens up space for further storage in the center console, including two 1-liter cup holders.

The new Captiva's audio system includes Aux-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Passengers will enjoy their audio experience all the more thanks to improved acoustic engineering resulting in reduced road, wind and engine noise. Captiva can be ordered with a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for parking assistance.

Captiva offers a lot of SUV for its price: powerful, yet efficient engines, all-wheel drive capabilities, roominess and versatility for up to seven passengers. Its launch in Europe is scheduled for spring 2011.

AE