Holden Captiva 7 SX 2011 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $32,490
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Four-star ANCAP
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.1
CO2 emissions (g/km): 217
Also consider: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe

It's rare for a manufacturer to slash more than 15 per cent off the price of any vehicle, particularly one that's a new or updated model with additional features -- not to mention the top-seller in its segment.

But that's exactly what Holden has done with its front-wheel drive Captiva 7 SX; a midsized soft-roader with zippy 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, slick six-speed auto, versatile seven seat interior and (now) very affordable $32,490 pricetag.

Costing considerably less than many of its seven-seat rivals, this cut-price Captiva now presents as an even more enticing proposition to 'working families' on a budget.

Although prices of all Captiva Series II models have been cut along with new features added for the mid-life upgrade, it's the entry-level Captiva 7 that presents as perhaps the best buy of all five and seven seat versions of Holden's Korean-built SUV.

The Captiva 7 SX may not be as well equipped as some other variants, but it has most of the essentials covered including keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, single CD stereo with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and 17-inch alloys.

Of the new features introduced on the base Captiva SX, which include hill-start assist and updated air-con, we were most impressed with the Mercedes-style electronic park brake button, which frees up room in the footwell or centre console depending where the foot or handbrake lever might otherwise go, as well as adding a touch of Euro-flair.

We also liked the standard cruise control, or more specifically the steering wheel controls for it, which along with other audio buttons nearby, make on-the-move adjustments safer and easier.

Less appealing is the standard leather steering wheel -- it's a bit slippery; we had to sniff it to check if it was real cowhide! And while the Series II Captiva is said to offer up to 28 cabin storage compartments, many are on the smallish side, although there are some handy 'hidden' compartments in the centre console and rear luggage area that make clever use of available space.

There's also an extra cubby hole above the CD unit, where the sat nav screen would go on up-spec models.

The base SX grade also misses out on rear parking sensors (it's a $300 dealer option). As the Captiva has good all-round visibility, making parking and reversing relatively stress-free, this is less of an issue. That said a reversing camera would add to family users peace of mind. One is standard on all grades of some of the Captiva's competitors.

The more powerful, 123kW/230Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine is a smooth, willing unit, going about its business in an efficient if not exhilarating manner. It's also relatively quiet even when revved, keeping noise levels down inside the cabin, and works well with the six-speed auto.

The four-cylinder engine is also pretty good on the juice, recording 10.2L/100km over more than 1000km of highway and suburban driving, against an official fuel economy figure of 9.1L/100km.

Despite some suspension tweaks the Captiva still exhibits a fair degree of body roll around corners, and as such is not quite as enjoyable as some of its rivals when driven with enthusiasm in the twisty stuff.  And while the tauter suspension is undoubtedly 'busy', transmitting minor road irregularities into the cabin, unless you're on really rough bitumen or dirt roads it's not too noticeable.

Most of the time, it's a relaxed, comfortable cruiser especially on the freeway with on-road dynamics and ride quality that while not class-leading should satisfy the majority of target buyers.

On the road we didn't miss the lack of all-wheel drive, with little front wheelspin during hard take-offs even in wet conditions. Overall this is helped by good grip from the Hankook Dynapro tyres.

The Captiva 7 does a good job of accommodating its full load. 

The driver's seat initially felt flat and firm but proved comfortable and supportive during two-plus hour stints behind the wheel. They could do with some side bolstering, though.

The second row is not as spacious as Kluger's or Territory's, but still enough for three average sized adults with excellent headroom and adequate shoulder and legroom.

Although the second row seats don't slide forward like the above-mentioned Toyota's, the two, pop-up third-row seats provide plenty of room for younger children. Limited head and legroom means it's a tight squeeze for adults or lanky teenagers.

An easy pull of a seat lever or two converts the rear area into a flat, versatile loadspace. The second row seats also fold flat up tight against the back of the front seats to provide additional room on the floor for big items like golf bags. 

With the third-row splitfold seats in position there's just enough room for a couple of shopping bags up back, although three under floor compartments provide additional storage options in the rear.

The SX Captiva boasts six airbags but rear passengers miss out on aircon vents. On the plus side there is a 12V socket for each row (three in total).

The Captiva's revised styling, both inside and out, is probably best described as clean and inoffensive, with few design risks taken right down to the plain Jane, six-spoke 17-inch alloys. The glossy, Prestige Blue paintwork on our test car helped elicit a few positive comments though. Nonetheless, it's fair to say if you want to blend in with the crowd, buy a Captiva.

In cricket parlance the Captiva 7 SX is a good all-rounder; a tidy blend of spacious family hauler and decent around-town commuter. It's above average but not outstanding in many areas. Minor niggles like some flimsy interior plastic fittings are reminders of the inevitable cost-cutting its $30K-something pricetag demands.

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