Autoblog

Chevrolet Captiva looks mildly refreshed and ready for family duty

Chris Paukert — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, Diesel

We showed you Chevrolet's major debut yesterday, the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible, but General Motors is making a big push for Bowtie consideration in Europe, so it's also introducing the updated Captiva crossover here at the Geneva Motor Show.

While still based on the same platform as North America's fleet-only Captiva Sport (which is effectively a rebadged Saturn Vue), the Captiva is available in both five- and seven-seat iterations, and it looks far more modern. That's particularly the case with this updated model, which features revamped front- and rear ends that include restyled bumpers, grilles and LED taillamps, among other changes.

As before, the midsize Theta-platform CUV will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive, and is expected to carry a range of four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. Important US programming note: Chevrolet sources tell us that America's Captiva Sport will not receive these updates.

Continue reading Chevrolet Captiva looks mildly refreshed and ready for family duty

Chevrolet Captiva looks mildly refreshed and ready for family duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy to show redesigned Captiva in Geneva, will it come to US rental lots? [UPDATE]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Chevrolet

Unless you're renting a car or driving through Orlando, Florida (the rental car capital of the US), you'll probably never see a Chevrolet Captiva - the rebadged, fleet-only version of the old Saturn Vue - on our roads, but this crossover has been updated elsewhere and remains popular in many other parts of the world. As such, Chevrolet announced that the Captiva will be getting an update for 2013, which will be unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Coming off a pretty extensive refresh in 2011, the 2013 model year will bring even more changes to the Captiva like LED taillights, new 18-inch wheels and revised fascias with a new grille and fog lights up front and inset chrome exhaust outlets at the rear. New interior features include heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control as well as available options on some of the upper trim levels such as leather seating and keyless entry and start. We have yet to hear back from Chevrolet as to whether or not the updated Captiva will be making its way to a rental lot near you, as the model is only available in the US to fleet buyers in five-seat form (the seven seat model, shown above, is also sold elsewhere, but both ride atop the same basic Theta architecture).

Alongside the updated Captiva, Chevy is also showing off its new Trax in Europe, where the subcompact crossover will go on sale this spring. GM's press release for these two Geneva-bound models is posted below.

UPDATE: Text above clarified with regards to five- and seven-seat models.

UPDATE: GM has gotten back to us confirming that our fleet-only Captiva Sport will "remain pretty much unchanged for the next model year."

Continue reading Chevy to show redesigned Captiva in Geneva, will it come to US rental lots? [UPDATE]

Chevy to show redesigned Captiva in Geneva, will it come to US rental lots? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet headed to Tokyo Auto Salon with Sonic, Captiva concepts

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Tokyo Auto Salon

We're piecing this together as best we can from the original Japanese with the help of Google Translate, but it seems Chevrolet is headed to the Tokyo Auto Salon with three special vehicles. Embracing the customization of American metal through the themes of cool, fun and freedom, the showpiece will be a Camaro Giovanna Edition but there's no information on it. Based on its name, though, we would not be shocked if it's fitted with Giovanna aftermarket wheels.

It will be joined by the Chevrolet Captiva Freedom Rider in Carbon Flash Metallic hue and the Chevrolet Sonic Street Icon Package in red. The "stylish and playful" Sonic is all about skateboarders and "the street generation," while the Captiva works the two-wheeled crowd with its Thule bike rack and painted-to-match bicycle.

The Salon goes down from January 11-13. We'll be looking forward to that Camaro and to see whether that Captiva grille really is as meshtastic as it looks in the above picture.

Chevrolet headed to Tokyo Auto Salon with Sonic, Captiva concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet recalls 2012 Captiva fleet model over parking brake

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

That's no Saturn Vue - that's the brand-new (sort of) Chevrolet Captiva Sport, only available to most Americans through the magic of the rental car lot. And while we haven't heard much about the General Motors fleet-only crossover since its debut a little over one year ago, it's making headlines now because of a potentially faulty parking brake.

According to an official notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "The park brake cable may not be fully seated in its connector and may separate from the connector." Should that happen, the parking brake won't hold the car in place.

A total of 2,070 Captiva models are affected, all of which were built between April 26 and May 17 of this year.

The recall is expected to begin in mid-July, and Chevrolet dealers will inspect and repair the parking brake cables free of charge. Given how recall-related repairs have been a hot button topic for America's rental car agencies as of late, it will be interesting to see how quickly these Captivas get fixed. For the full details on the problem, scroll down to read the NHTSA report.

Continue reading Chevrolet recalls 2012 Captiva fleet model over parking brake

Chevrolet recalls 2012 Captiva fleet model over parking brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport - Click above for high-res image

Do you miss the Saturn Vue? If so, General Motors is ready to wipe your tears away. Meet the new Chevrolet Captiva Sport, a shockingly familiar crossover being offered for fleet sales here in the United States. GM is quick to point out that the Sport is a variant of the popular Captiva CUV sold in other markets, though its Saturn-badged kin can still be found all over the nation.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels - LS, LT and LTZ - with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General's 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.

LT and LTZ models use the 3.0-liter V6 and come standard with OnStar and Bluetooth connectivity. LTZ standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed seats (heated for front passengers), a rear-view camera and premium audio system.

Fleet companies can take delivery of the ~~Vue~~ Captiva Sport as early as the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for GM's press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading ~~Saturn Vue~~ Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

~~Saturn Vue~~ Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Holden, Australia

Holden Captiva Series II - Click above for high-res image gallery

Holden has unveiled its Series II Captiva in both five and seven-passenger configurations, and the company says that buyers can now enjoy greater power and fuel economy thanks to a range of new and refreshed engines. The Captiva 7 (shown above) will come packing either a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel lump or the same 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 found in the nose of the company's Commodore. Likewise, the Captiva 5 will be able to take advantage of that same oil-burning engine in addition to the standard 2.4-liter gasoline four-pot. All three engines will be mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Australian arm of General Motors has also gone about resculpting the Captiva 7's front fascia, and buyers can now choose between a total of three different wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches. Meanwhile, the new Captiva 5 is only available with 17 inch rollers. Interestingly, the Captiva 5 retains a different look that's very close to that of the now-departed Saturn Vue.

Holden has also baked-in a new heap of standard equipment, including an MP3-compatable CD player with AUX input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Hit the jump for the full press release and video.

Gallery: Holden Captiva Series II

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video]

Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Aveo interior - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Curious about the new products that Chevy is bringing to the Paris Motor Show? You've already seen the Cruze hatchback, Aveo, Orlando and Captiva here on Autoblog, but you haven't seen them in motion. More importantly, though, we see the first glimpses of these new cars' interiors.

We're kinda digging the gauge cluster on the Aveo (above), which has a very motorcycle-inspired look to its single large, round tachometer and digital cluster. Love it or hate it, the interior appears to be a major step forward from anything GM has ever put out in the subcompact class before. Similarly, the Cruze hatchback and Orlando have what appear to be nicely appointed two-tone duds.

Hit the jump to watch all four videos for yourself. The Cruze is batting lead-off, followed by the Captiva, Aveo and Orlando. And once you've taken in the videos, partake in the below poll by telling us which Cruze you prefer; the sedan or the five-door. It may not be a fair fight since the hot hatch is a "show car" with design elements that may not make production, but who says a tussle has to be fair?

[Source: YouTube / Sports Car Illustrated]

View Poll

Continue reading Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts

Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro-market Chevy Captiva getting facelift for Paris Show

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Captiva - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has announced that it will be pulling back the sheets on a refreshed version of its high-riding Chevrolet Captiva at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The crossover will wear a new look for the first time since it was introduced in 2006, complete with the Bowtie's corporate grille and headlight design. Behind the fresh face are a total of four new engine options, including a direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 with 258 horsepower, two 2.0-liter turbo-diesel mills and a 171-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. All of those will be bolted to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The 2011 Captiva will also feature a few other safety-oriented niceties, including hill-start assist, electronic stability control, traction control and braking assist, all as standard equipment.

GM says that it will be unveiling a total of four new or refreshed models at the Paris Motor Show, including the showcar version of the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo. The Paris Motor Show gets underway starting on October 2 and we'll be there to give you the fully skinny. Hit the jump for the full press release on the 2011 Chevrolet Captiva.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Captiva

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Euro-market Chevy Captiva getting facelift for Paris Show

Euro-market Chevy Captiva getting facelift for Paris Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva takes off to honor 40th anniversary of moon landing

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Crossover, Chevrolet, Specialty

Chevrolet "Moonlander" Captiva - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an odd convergence of celebration and marketing, Chevrolet of Europe's natural gas conversion partner, Fahrmitgas, has created a Captiva-based special-edition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969.

The small, Rödermark, Germany-based LPG supplier has dubbed their limited-run Captiva the Moonlander, available with either a natural gas-powered 2.4-liter engine putting out 136 hp and driving the front wheels or a 3.2-liter V6 model with 230 hp and powering all four wheels.

Only 40 examples will be produced, each available in a "universe" white and "orbiter" black paint scheme, with decals of the names of the Apollo 11 crew members printed on the chromed rear side windows. Aside from the aforementioned LPG conversion, the Moonlander receives 20x8-inch ten-spoke wheels and 35mm drop in ride height courtesy of a set of sport springs. And for 21,500 euro, you not only get automatic climate control and an iPod, but a replica space suit and matching helmet. Like we said, odd. Full details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva

Continue reading Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva takes off to honor 40th anniversary of moon landing

Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva takes off to honor 40th anniversary of moon landing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Unhappy Shanghai lady tows the tow truck

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Etc., Videos, Crossover, Chevrolet, Humor

Click above to watch video after the jump

It may be viral, but it's too hilarious not to post. We just came across a YouTube video in which a Chinese woman, who the internet has lovingly dubbed "Shanghai Lady", finds her beloved Chevrolet Captiva held captive by a tow truck driver. The South Korean-made CUV is on the hook, tail held high with its front wheels planted, when the lady confronts the tow truck operator. After a short spat she decides she's had enough, gets into her vehicle and starts it up. The tow truck driver gives the rear wheel of the Captiva an angry kick, but that doesn't stop her. She puts it in gear and proceeds to drive off, tow truck in tow. Like any great comedy, the driver is left to chase his truck on foot. It's good for a nice chuckle before you sign off for the night and expresses what a lot of us hope we might have the intestinal fortitude to do if caught in this same situation. Follow the jump to see the clip.

[Source: Automobiles De Luxe]

Continue reading VIDEO: Unhappy Shanghai lady tows the tow truck

VIDEO: Unhappy Shanghai lady tows the tow truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That'll buff right out: Chevy turns new Captiva into scratch off card

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Contests, Europe, Chevrolet

Click the photo for a high-res gallery of the Captiva Scratch Car-d

We've all bought one of those "scratch and win" lottery cards at the convenience store before. Attacking that little piece of cardboard with a penny is a very satisfying experience, even if you don't uncover three cherries, two "$50" or a "New Ticket". Chevy in the UK had a bright idea to take that same scratch off experience and supersize it by turning an entire vehicle into a scratch off card. To introduce Londoners to the new Chevy Captiva crossover, the brand had an example of its new CUV on display coated with the same scratch off material and parked atop a pile of 16,995 pennies.

It took two months to cover the entire CUV and thousands of individual panels with the same latex material used on those scratch cards. It only took 14 hours of scratching, however, before someone uncovered the hidden winning panel and won the vehicle. Hopefully Chevy gave the winner a different Captiva than the one used in the contest, because penny scratches do not, in fact, buff out.

The event took place in Covent Garden in London, with the number of pennies obviously representing the Captiva's base price in British pounds. You can think of the Captiva as the entry level sibling of the better-equipped Opel Antara and our own Saturn VUE. Will the U.S. market then get the Captiva as replacement for the Chevy Equinox? If we're lucky.

Thanks to Mario for the tip!

[Source: AutoMotoPortal]

Gallery: Chevy Captiva Scratch Car-d

That'll buff right out: Chevy turns new Captiva into scratch off card originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photos aplenty of GM Daewoo Winstorm

Joel Arellano — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, GM

Sibling site Autoblog en Espanol was able to obtain more shots of the Winstorm, the first SUV by GM Korean subsidiary, Daewoo. As previously posted, the Winstorm will be sold primarily in the Asian and European markets through GM's Chevrolet and Holden brands. While no definitive date has been announced for when the SUV goes on sale in Asia, Europe will be receiving its first units marketed as the Chevrolet Captiva this September. Alas, this handsome SUV is not bound for the States and no plans have been made to buy it an interncontinental ticket.

Related:
GM Daewoo's 'Winstorm' SUV prepares to sweep SUV market
Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover
Chevy Captiva won't come to the U.S.

[Source: GM-Daewoo via translated Autoblog en Espanol]

Photos aplenty of GM Daewoo Winstorm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Daewoo's 'Winstorm' SUV prepares to sweep SUV market

Joel Arellano — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 08:49:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, GM

GM Daewoo has announced the launch of its first SUV. Called the Winstorm, auto enthusiasts will immediately recognize it by its more familiar name of Captiva.

Stats, pics, and additional vehicle information can be found here and here. Analysts are reporting mixed reviews of the South Korean automaker's entrance into the SUV market, citing high gas prices and softening demand as party poopers. But the company is confident it will be able to sell over 120,000 units next year with 30,000 in South Korea alone. Says Nick Reilly, CEO of GM Daewoo, "The (SUV) segment in Korea is still very significant. It's still a very important segment in many, many markets around the world." We sure hope he's right since GM Daewoo plans to export 90 percent of the SUV through GM's Chevrolet and Holden lines.

[Source: Reuters]

GM Daewoo's 'Winstorm' SUV prepares to sweep SUV market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover

Chris Paukert — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show

As expected, Chevrolet unveiled its new compact SUV, Captiva, in Geneva. The flexible crossover will be available in both five and seven seat configurations, and is set to be in European showrooms this June.

Critically, General Motors has seen fit to imbue the Captiva with an available 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, making it the brands first oil-burning compact SUV. It will also carry the distinction of being the first European Chevrolet to offer electronic stability control. Other motors in the lineup will consist of 2.4-liter and 3.2-liter petrol engines.

Driveline-wise, Chevy's newest crossover comes standard as a front-driver, but 'active-on-demand' all-wheel-drive is optional. Interestingly, the Captiva's Electronic Stability Program incorporates such advanced features as Hill Descent Control (shades of Land Rover!), FBS, 'Fading Brake Support' and TSA-- Trailer Stabilization Assist.

Our man on the scene, Alberto from Autoblog Spanish was quick and to the point: The wood is fake, some of the plastics from the interior are kind of light and the doors don't close with a loud, convincing sound... but the seats are comfortable, the fit is good, the leather looks pretty nice... it feels like a case of bang for your buck.

(Click through to the jump for a dozen more shots, full press release and specifications!)

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover

Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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