Having being launched as a petrol model it was decided for obvious reasons by GM, to lend an ear with the diesel made design.
And it MOVED mountains, figuratively speaking!
You see, this brash model had all and sundry talking, inconsolably for weeks we had it for test drive.
Talking loopholes and off-road was a pleasure for this 2.2D Captiva, as we realized when we toiled three Provinces on a weekend: Jozi, NW and Durban. It stood its ground…
Some learned colleagues of mine, have aired their views on its interior quality and on-road refinement may not be its strong suit. What model where they driving, if I may ask? Donkey carts, perhaps?
Starting with the interior, it had refined leather which indeed most heaped praises on. The dashboard which could fit five bottles of an expensive Scotch whisky was the talking point. Something unusual from the admirers!
Leg room and spaces are some of the features which this made of vehicles are synonymous with. The driver could maneuver as freely as possible without bitterly complaining about backaches and, so forth.
The decent amount of room both front and rear for a family, with all seats trimmed in durable and child-resistant fabric upholstery is the key highlight.
Internationally recognized features include cruise control, climate control, trip-computer, power windows, front and rear parking-sensors, auto-on headlamps, a seven-speaker audio system with six-disc CD stacker and the slight open top.
What a blast we had, which almost woke up some lazy cows and donkeys in my village? My late Chief would not be happy with the outcome, would he?
Safety features, such as front side and curtain airbags are standardised, while all seats have three-point seatbelts (front seatbelts are also equipped with pretensioners). ABS, brake assist, traction control and stability control help reduce the chance of a collision, whilst brakes which are all disc brakes work fine and stopping the Captiva with ease counts most.
The automatic brake feels a little on the soft side though.
An 11.8 metre turning circle gives the Captiva reasonable manoeuvrability in tight squeezes, but it’s a little wider than many others in its segment. The power steering is light though, so twirling the wheel back and forth is less of a chore.
The seven seater Captiva comes loaded with engine: Turbo-charged 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, 16 valve (diesel), Transmission: Six-speed automatic; Power: 135kW @ 3800rpm; Torque: 400Nm @ 2000rpm; 0-100km/h: 10.1 seconds.
On the fuel consumption it claims 8 litres per 100km and fuel capacity of 65 litres.
It retails for R427 500 and includes a five-year or 120 000km warranty and three-year or 60 000km service plan.
Verdict:
1-10 (performance) 7
1-10 (Diesel) 8
It’s worth owning one!
