Flex-fuel upgrade for Holden Captiva

Holden has introduced a new model year upgrade for the Korean-built Captiva, and chief among the changes to the SUV are the recalibrated petrol engines — now more efficient and capable of running on E85 bio-fuel.

The company claims fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 10 per cent for both petrol and diesel engines. When petrol variants are running on E85 (a blend of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol), they produce fewer CO2 emissions for more power. The difference in CO2 emissions, according to Holden's press material, is as much as 40 per cent better than petrol.

In addition, the Captiva now delivers an enhanced equipment package. Rear parking sensors are new to the Captiva 7 SX and the flagship Captiva 7 LX gains heated front seats and front parking sensors. All Captiva 7 variants gain USB porting and iPod connectivity. Vehicles powered by the 3.0-litre V6 SIDI engine, boast a revised towing capacity of up to 2000kg. A colour available previously, Thunder Grey, is now replaced by a new offering, Smokey Eye.

“We’re constantly looking to improve our products whenever possible, responding to customer feedback and market changes to ensure our vehicles remain highly competitive and relevant to modern Australian families,” said Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, in a press release.

Holden has left prices where they stand, but is also offering retail incentives on the Captiva range in the short term. Captiva 5 with the 2.4-litre petrol engine and manual transmission can be picked up for $27,990 on the road. The Captiva 7 SX featuring the combination of 2.4-litre engine and automatic transmission is priced at $33,990 — also inclusive of on-road costs. All Captiva 5 variants are being sold with sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels, while Captiva 7 buyers are being enticed by sunroof and side steps. Once the incentive program is ended, prices and kit will revert to the previous specification.

According to Holden, the fuel consumption reduction applies to diesel as well as petrol engines across the range. The Captiva 5 petrol now uses 8.8L/100km (previously 9.1) and the 2.2-litre diesel's fuel use has dropped from 8.5L/100km to 8.2. For the Captiva 7 the 2.4-litre SX model posts a new fuel consumption figure of 9.0L/100km (versus 9.1 previously). Diesel SX has improved from 8.1 to 7.6L/100km. The same engine in the CX and LX variants is now rated at 8.1L/100km (previously 8.3). Finally, the range-topping 3.0-litre petrol V6 in the CX and LX grades is fully 1.2 litres more economical for every 100km travelled; now 10.1L/100km as distinct from the previous figure of 11.3L/100km.

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