Econo Captiva gets front-wheel drive

Holden's Captiva range has a new, cheaper entry model -- a turbodiesel-powered front-wheel drive model priced from $33,990.

Due to land in late September, the front-wheel drive 2.0-litre diesel Captiva will be offered in SX (base) specification with either five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Its sticker price places it $2000 less than the previous entry-level model -- the manual turbodiesel AWD SX.

Holden will also offer an auto version of the front-wheel drive turbodiesel SX priced at $35,990. That variant hits dealers this week.

Spokesperson for Holden, Kate Lonsdale said the addition of the front-wheel drive turbodiesel Captiva was important to the line-up because increased fuel prices meant people were considering lower running costs, yet many wanted the flexibility offered by the mid-sized SUV.

While the Medium SUV category is "a growing segment", Lonsdale said the Captiva wasn't up against many competitors that could match it for fuel efficiency.

Holden claims the front-wheel drive Captiva will "lead its segment with fuel efficiency". The manual returns ADR081/01 combined mileage of 7.2L/100km and the automatic 8.5L/100km. A la Ford with Territory, we're assuming Holden still considers the Captiva a SUV despite its two-wheel drive underpinnings...

The new Captiva entry-level retains the same specification level as its AWD counterpart. Standard safety equipment includes traction control, roll mitigation and stability control. Four airbags are also standard, including curtain airbags.

As a sweetener, Holden is offering free side steps and roof-mounted DVD player to any private customer who purchases a Captiva SX (or indeed CX or LX) before October 31.

Look out for a drive impression of the front-wheel drive Captiva at the Carsales Network soon.

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