Test Drive – Chevrolet Captiva LTZ AWD in detail

Engine

The Captiva comes with 2.0 litre VCDI (Variable Common Diesel Injection) Engine that churns out 150 Bhp and around 320 Nm of earth moving torque, this is basically the same engine that comes in Optra magnum minus the Variable Geometry Turbo.

Start the engine in the morning and you will realize it I am sitting inches away an Diesel engine. But as it settles after some time, and by the time you have clocked the first few kilometers, it turns ultra-refined and silent. The engine has already won accolades amongst power junkies for its sheer torque and performance in manual guise. The engine manages fairly well with everyday driving and expressway drives. Considering its almost 2 tonnes which makes it almost as heavy as Endeavour, this 4-cylinder unit does a decent job propelling the Captiva forward with utmost ease.

Gear Box

When I first drove the manual cousin of this Chevy I had to say this “like all the Chevy products in India, this Gearbox lives up to its family image of spoiling the party” but in this avatar the tranny has actually turned the cards in favor of Captiva. The drivability has improved by miles and the drive feels far more relaxing and enjoyable. There's a tiptronic which can make you drive in manual mode too to satisfy Schummi inside you. The Auto box has got some limitations also it’s not very quick to shift as compared to the CR-V but the low end torque from the motor and taller gear ratios can make it on par with petrol competition.

Ride & Handling

This macho machine rides on 17” wheels which offer it one of the best ride qualities you can find in any SUV at this price point. The Captiva feels home on any tarmac and ride is supple and comforting. Though when I received the vehicle I found it to be bit bouncy but soon found out the culprit to be the over-pressured tyresand  after re- pressuring the tyres to the correct level, the Captiva was ready to make the rides enjoyable.

The steering offers decent feedback and always responds to your ask, though it gets bit vague as it builds speed because of the bit softer suspension setup.

The Handling has also improved from its manual cousin because of the AWD, though you still can’t expect it to be in the leagues of CR-V which drives like a sedan. AWD system in Captiva majorly works as a front wheel drive but it detects and offers traction to the rear wheels as and when required, thus inspiring more confidence while cornering. Because of its size and higher ground clearance it has a bit of body roll but all in acceptable limits and it never rises to your alarming senses.

Fuel Efficiency

During its stay the major drive was done in urban and sub-urban conditions with one long drive to expressway, despite some spirited drives and being hard footed on the pedal it continuously delivered between 10.5 – 11.5 Kmpl which is exceptionally well for a 2 ton Auto SUV.

Brakes

Brakes offer decent bite and help halt this 2 ton Vehicle with ease. Captiva comes with ABS – EBD as standard which you expect from vehicle of this category, all these gadgets do their job properly to ensure your safety and inspire confidence. During its stay twice I had to use the brakes to their limits and they responded amazingly well.

Rattles

During its stay for 4 days this vehicle showed almost negligible signs of rattles, except for some rats from Ovrm’s and driver side window, which is acceptable as it’s a test mule which has already clocked around 14000 km’s.

Is it better buy than Manual

Absolutely yes, if you can!

Well at around Rs.21.5 lakh Ex showroom Delhi the Auto avatar is almost 2 lacs dearer than the manual guise but what you get is better Drivability, Comfort and Convenience of Auto box, along with the AWD & technical goodies like Hill descent control and ESP.

Overall Verdict

A handsome looking SUV with decent FE figures along with the convenience & comfort of Auto Gearbox. If you are in a market to buy a practical SUV in Diesel mated to an Auto box that can seat up to seven people in this price bracket, think no further and buy it unless the competition has answer to it.