New Captiva to go on show in Paris

Last week we mentioned that Chevrolet would unveil four world permieres at this month's Paris Motor Show, but that they were yet to announce the fourth piece of the puzzle.

Today, it has been revealed that vehicle number four, alongside Aveo (Barina), Cruze hatch and Orlando people mover, will be an updated Chevrolet (Holden) Captiva, sporting a new front end design, a range of interior enhancements, plus several new engines and transmission options.

Chevrolet says its new Captiva is a "full-blooded sports SUV with confident and dynamic new styling", and that it will feature an active on-demand all-wheel drive system that distributes power as needed.

Stylistically, the new fascia includes a reshaped bonnet and larger front grille, the Chevrolet 'bow-tie' placed front and centre on a horizontal cross-bar. New prism style headlamps are also featured, as are integrated LED indicators on the wing mirrors.

In profile, and Captiva scores new side gills which are more angular to "emphasise sporting intent", while from the A-pillar back, the body remains unchanged.

A new catalogue of alloy wheels are also offered, ranging between 17- and 19-inches in diametre.

Inside, Captiva retains its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows (third row optional) and can accommodate up to seven passengers. The decor and fabrics have been refreshed to give a more "upmarket" look, says Chev, including ice-blue backlighting on the intrument panel (think Cruze) amd new 'wrap-round' design of the dashboard which flows into the front doors for a dual-cockpit look.

Other addtions include a new audio system with auxiliary input, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, an optional touch-screen satellite navigation system and rear view camera.

But perhaps the most significant changes to Captiva come from beneath the bonnet, with three new engines offered across the range, each available with the option of new manual and automatic transmissions.

New Captiva will offer one 125kW petrol engine (2.4-litre) and two turbodiesel units (both 2.2-litres) of varying output (119kW and 135kW) and is available in front- or all-wheel drive.

Chevrolet says the Captiva's chassis has been re-tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel. Stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist are also offered as standard, as are front-, side- and curtain airbags.

For the first time, Captiva also features hill start assist and an electrically operated park brake.

Pricing will be announced closer to the new model's launch in Europe which is slated for Q2 next year.

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