GM India quietly introduces the Chevrolet Captiva facelift

13/08/2013 - 20:13 Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Shrawan Raja

GM India has made absolutely no noise about the launch of the Chevrolet Captiva facelift. The refreshed Captiva was launched in Korea in early February with mild cosmetic rework and feature additions.

The same model was introduced in Europe at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Today we're able to spot the car on GM India's website where its prices are yet to be updated.

To quickly the round up all changes on the Captiva facelift, the model receives a new lower bumper at the front, a subtly different grille mesh, and reshaped foglamps.

The car's rear features quickly recognizable changes which include new LED lights on the stoplight that look brilliant in the dark, and a redesigned bumper housing exhaust tips. The design of the 17-inch alloy wheels is new.

Differences are very minor to the interior where the updated car receives new seat fabric, a redesigned multimedia screen while higher trims also enjoy leather upholstery. Keyless start comes standard on the higher variants. The rear seat is heated and the ambient lighting is revisited.

Chevrolet Captiva facelift interior — The interior keeps the all-black theme but there are minor differences such as new ambient lighting and revised fabrics.

The new 2.2L diesel engine which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo and subsequently launched in India was available only with an automatic transmission. However after this update, it can also be requested with a manual transmission that's been updated to a more advanced 6-speed unit. The 2.0-liter diesel engine (the same unit which powers the Cruze) has been discontinued.

Chevrolet Captiva facelift rear view — IAB encountered the Captiva refresh for the first time in Geneva this March. The taillights, with LED highlights, looked brilliant. Also notice how the exhaust tips neatly integrate into the bumper.

The 2.2L unit produces a max power of 186.5 PS @ 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 424 NM @ 2,000 rpm on both transmission options. It returns a mileage of 14.6kpl on the manual variant and manages 12.12kpl on the automatic variant. The manual variant is a 2WD, while the automatic variant is an AWD.

Chevrolet Captiva facelift multimedia screen — The Captiva facelift gets new seat fabric and a multimedia system.

Some of the noteworthy features on the Captiva refresh are rain sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, eight speakers and an automatic level ride suspension. Both variants are spec-ed very well in terms of safety too featuring six airbags, ABS, EBD, TCS, ESP and a descent control system.

Chevrolet Captiva facelift TVC in Korea

GM India has not revealed the car's prices on the website. The Captiva continues to arrive in India as a CBU and it remains to be seen how much the hike in import duty affects prices.