Holden hopes less is more for Captiva

Holden is targeting compact SUV leaders the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V with a new five-seat version of the Captiva. To be known as the Captiva 5, the new model hits the market in December.

But with a starting price of $27,990 (manufacturer recommended price, not including government and dealer charges) the new Captiva will also pit the new model against fellow South Korean-made offerings like the Hyundai Tucson 2WD and Kia Sportage 2WD.

John Elsworth, Holden's recently installed sales and marketing boss, explained that the company was confident that the new model would provide incremental sales and not detract from the current seven-seater (pictured).

"Captiva 5 is a compact SUV that will attract a different set of buyers than those who require the seven-seater," Elsworth said.

"It is sure to appeal to couples and families with its attractive European styling, well specified equipment level and competitive price point."

The model line-up has been kept simple with only the one trim level, meaning the only choice will be between a two-wheel drive manual (priced at the previously mentioned $27,990) and all-wheel drive automatic (stating at $30,990).

Power will come from a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. No performance figures for the engine were released by the company though.

Standard equipment will include driver, front passenger and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, cruise control, air-conditioning, six-disc CD player, cloth seats, leather steering wheel, parking sensors and 17-inch alloys wheels.

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