Holden Captiva 5 2012 Review

Holden Captiva 5 : Mid-sized SUV Test

Unfortunately, as the heaviest car on test, the Captiva 5 (1840kg) pushed the limits of its suspension in the handling tests.

Steering feel was ranked as one of the best-weighted and most natural on test while brake pedal feel and modulation was also rated highly. Captiva 5 was also one of the only SUVs to stop admirably well on our icy surface emergency brake test, the antilock brake system offering more ‘bite’ than the Nissan X-TRAIL and Kia Sportage.

Despite boasting the highest claimed engine outputs on test, Captiva 5 (135kW/400Nm) responded sluggishly. Part of the problem is its slow-to-act six-speed auto fails to keep up with throttle inputs, especially when cornering or dealing with sudden inclines. Fuel economy was also dismal, the Captiva 5 diesel returning an average more reminiscent of petrol models (13.8L/100km).
Ground clearance (200mm) ranked well but, on one occasion, the all-wheel-drive system failed to engage the rear wheels sufficiently to free Captiva 5 from a small washaway, meaning it was the only SUV to require the aid of another vehicle.

The Holden SUV’s mechanicals (especially its all-wheel-drive system) felt out-dated by way of comparison and many of the features included as standard in other comers were not offered, even as an option.

Panel gaps were of a larger tolerance than other vehicles on test and, when confronted with our torsional rigidity test, the body twisted sufficiently to prevent the rear hatch closing. We also had issues with one of the electric windows failing to close properly, instead travelling up and down repeatedly.

On the upside, cabin noise was about average against the competitors while ride quality and steering feel faired marginally better than its five rivals. Front seat comfort and posture was also rated highly.

The adjustable recline of the split-fold rear seat and generous headroom was another enticing bonus.

Unfortunately our judges felt the short rear seat squab and lack of rear-seat knee room made it a no-go for lanky teens or adults; shoulder room was also rated below average. On the flip side, the front pews were praised for their comfort, even if the lack of steering reach adjustment annoyed most who took to the wheel.

However, the Holden SUV missed out on a USB audio input or Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming – now standard fare on all other rivals on test. The interface between man and machine was also panned by our pundits for being overly complicated and out-dated in terms of its functionality.

Stop Press: Holden announced an update to its Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 range after this story was completed. The changes include improvements to fuel efficiency of all engines courtesy of “powertrain calibration refinements”. The 135kW/400Nm VM Motori 2.2-litre turbo diesel now consumes a claimed 8.2L/100km, down from 8.5L/100km. Some Captiva 7 models also benefited from an upgrade to their standard features, but there were no changes to the Captiva 5.

Price: $33,990 ($34,490 as tested)