Launch Drive: Chevrolet Captiva (2016) in SA

The Chevrolet Captiva is re-heating a similar recipe for 2016, one that saw more than 16 400 local buyers hooked by its mix of value, style and size. For 2016 General Motors opted to refresh the Captiva and make it more appealing in a market space that has burst its banks.

The model line-up will consist of only three models – two petrol and one diesel – in LT spec. What this means is that the refreshed Chevrolet Captiva range comes with a decent set of features aimed at making the Captiva more modern and practical. Standard across the entire range is, for instance, a driver’s seat that is electronically adjustable and it’s not difficult finding a seating position thanks to eight-way adjustability.

The Chevrolet Captiva still offers seating to seven occupants and with the third row of seats folded down, a cargo bay with 477 litres of storage space is available. With both back rows’ seats folded down, the cargo space expands to a mammoth 942 litres.

For the design Chevrolet deviated very little from the outgoing model’s design. The changes are very subtle and you’d need a keen eye to spot the differences. At the front a new grille leads the charge with a new diagonal bar pattern. The headlights, too, are revised and now come with LED daytime running lights as standard. The front hang of the enhanced Captiva is dropped and the front bumper houses a set of fog lights. The Captiva’s design is now in-line with Chevrolet’s new design language and is the first indication of what consumers can expect from future models.

On the sides the vehicle is kitted with integrated side steps as standard, and at the rear a new rear light design with LED brightness is the only noticeable indication that this is the updated Chevrolet Captiva.

Inside it’s a practical affair: clutter-free and user-friendly. Gone are the buttons and switches that seemed in complete disarray and in flows a simple, yet effective, layout. It is easy to navigate the dials and the steering wheel controls make things easier. However, taller drivers may find that reaching for some controls on the centre console will require some stretching and the button to toggle between the on-board computer’s menu is placed rather awkwardly above the right knee. Still, these are small niggles that does little to detract from an otherwise well laid out interior.

So vast is the standard equipment on the Chevrolet Captiva that the only optional extras for the interior are leather seats and a sunroof.

On the designated route all three models were available for driving. The first derivative I took was the 2,4-litre manual Captiva (also available in automatic). For a vehicle weighing 2,4 tons it was always going to be a tough ask of this 123kW 230Nm engine and although the vehicle generates enough momentum to maintain its speed, it takes time to get to the national speed limit. Performance can be described as leisurely but nothing some tasty ‘padkos’ can’t sort out.

The other engine, the 2,2-litre diesel, has 132kW and 400Nm of torque on offer and is my personal preference out of the range. The diesel engine offers torque by the buckets and keeps pushing and shoving its way to the horizon.

The diesel Captiva is only available with a six-speed automatic gearbox, whereas the petrol has a choice of manual or auto. Pricing starts R396 600 for the manual petrol and ends at R431 300 for the diesel. A 5-year/120 000 km warranty and 3-year/60 000 km service plan come as standard.