Saturn Vue Comes Back to Life as the Chevrolet Captiva Sport for Rental Fleets

Meet General Motor’s newest offering in the world of rental vehicles; the Chevrolet Captiva Sport. Even though GM makes no word of the Saturn brand in the press release, most of you will probably see the Vue hiding behind the Chevy bow-tie on the grille. And that’s about the only difference between the Vue and the 2012MY Captiva Sport, which is also sold under various nameplates in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America.

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Holden Captiva 7 Series II Facelift with More Powerful Engines and Reduced Pricing

Making its Australian debut today is the refreshed Holden Captiva 7 Series II. To avoid any confusions, the Captiva 5 Series II that we told you about in our previous post is based on the Opel Antara, while the Captiva 7 is Holden's version of the Chevrolet model of the same name that's sold in Europe.

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VIDEO: Captiva Driver Shows Tow Truck Who’s Boss

Who wouldn't be annoyed to find, upon returning from the shops, that their car has been ticketed, clamped...or even worse...towed. As this hilarious clip proves, Hell hath no fury like a female SUV driver towed. Full video after the jump.

Here's the scoop for those who haven't seen it: a Shanghai woman is having her Chevy Captiva SUV towed, and she isn't happy about it. So she does what any (insane) person would do: gets in her car, starts the engine and drives off...with the tow truck still attached.

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Holden Introduces 2WD Captiva with 2.0L Turbo Diesel Engine

While four-wheel-drive systems have their strong points, we all know that a great percentage of SUV buyers don’t actually need AWD for their everyday driving chores. With this in mind, GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden announced the launch of a new choice of two-wheel-drive, diesel powered Captiva models. Powered by the 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine found in the Captiva AWD range, the manual transmission 2WD model offers a fuel efficiency of 7.2 litres / 100km (32.6MPG US) while the automatic returns 8.5 litres / 100km (27.7MPG US). -Continued

The Holden Captiva diesel 2WD models are priced from $33,990 AUD for the five-speed manual transmission and $35,990 AUD for the five-speed automatic transmission - or $2,000 AUD less than their AWD equivalents. Additionally, Holden is offering free side steps and roof mounted DVD player to any private customer who purchases a Captiva SX, CX or LX by 31 October 2008 or while stocks last.

The 2WD Captiva SX with automatic transmission is on sale now, with the manual transmission variant scheduled to be in dealerships late September.

Chevrolet UK’s Mobile Punch & Judy Puppet Show

Chevrolet decided to take the British beaches this summer with yet another bizarre promotional tour, this time with the world’s first in-car Punch & Judy theatre. Punch and Judy is a traditional, English puppet show featuring the characters of Punch and his wife Judy.

According to Chevy, one in three children (37 per cent) says that they have never experienced the once popular show so the automaker took it upon itself to reintroduce the famous puppets to a new generation of kids by fitting a custom-made booth onto the side of a Captiva that will tour up and down the UK seaside this summer. -Thanks for the tip Sarah!

Chevrolet Captiva SUV Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: The new Chevrolet SUV designed for Europe

First diesel powered compact Chevrolet SUV

Available with five and seven seats

Available with active-on-demand all-wheel-drive system

It was Chevrolet who launched the original SUV with the Suburban back in 1935 - Captiva is the latest model in a long line of authentic Chevrolet SUVs. It debuts at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2 - 12, 2006) and will be available in showrooms across Europe starting in June.

Captiva is the first Chevrolet in Europe to be equipped with a diesel engine. The initial version of a new family developed as a joint programme between GMDAT and GM Powertrain, the engine is also built in an all new factory. Alongside 2.4 litre and 3.2 litre V6 gasoline engines, Captiva comes with the new 2.0 litre, four cylinder 150hp variant of the new diesel with common rail injection offering high levels of efficiency and refinement. The Captiva will also be the first model in Chevrolet’s European range available with an electronic stability program (ESP).

Captiva’s expressive design can be described as “strong, sophisticated and sporty”. It is a spacious, practical and tough vehicle designed with optimum on-road ride and handling characteristics but highly capable in difficult weather and road conditions. Customers will have the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants, the latter featuring an active on demand all-wheel-drive system. As driving conditions dictate, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control), ARP (Active-Rollover Protection), FBS (Fading Brake Support) and TSA (Trailer Stabilization Assist). Importantly, development of the European ride and handling dynamics has been carried out with Millbrook, GM’s proving ground in the UK. Along with durability testing, this has ensured that the characteristics of Captiva’s on road behaviour match customer demands across Europe.

Its sleek yet bold design is accentuated by strong wheel arches and a sweeping feature line that runs from the front fender vent through to the tail lamps. A grey sill finish runs around the vehicle, reducing its apparent height and is interrupted by contrasting ‘undertray’ features on front and rear bumpers. Design sophistication also features inthe cylindrical prism type headlamps, LED type turn signal lamps, turn signal repeaters in the door mirrors and flush fitting, pull-out type door handles.

The wide tailgate with its integrated opening window underlines the practical side of the Captiva. Inside it is spacious, with seating for five and optional seating for seven passengers. It measures 4,635/1,850/1,720 mm (length/width/height) and stands on a wheelbase of 2,705 mm. In five passenger configuration, it offers a trunk volume of 405 litres (VDA method). All seats, including the front passenger seat, can be folded forward and down, achieving a flat surface. Restating a Chevrolet hallmark, it offers plenty of storage space, including a wide net below the instrument panel.

The instrument panel itself is separated from the middle console, making it easy to walk through to the other side. Style and function characterize the interior design, with high class materials and an impressive level of fit and finish. The instrument cluster features easy to read semi-circular dials accentuated by aluminium style rims.

The elegant, fully integrated and flush fit infotainment unit in the middle console aims to provide best in class entertainment. Its features include an eight way speaker system, an amplifier with an output of 4 x 45 watts, an in-dash six CD changer with MP3 capability. Full integration of the audio system also aids security. The console houses the driver information system providing data including Electronic Climate control, outside temperature, compass, average fuel consumption and vehicle speed, and range for remaining fuel. The comprehensive safety equipment includes dual front airbags roof side and curtain airbags, knee bolsters and safety belt pretensioners and load limiters for the front passenger.

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available for the Captiva. They include the brand new, state-of-the-art GM common rail diesel engine jointly developed between GMDAT and GM Powertrain. In its first application, the 16 valve unit offers 110 kW (150 hp) at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 7.6 l per 100 km. It is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe, later this year.

The gasoline engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 100 kW (133 hp) at 5,000 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 2,200 rpm. Its average fuel consumption is 9.9 l per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine (not available in all countries) produces 169 kW (225 hp) at 6,600 rpm, maximum torque is 297 Nm at 3,200 rpm. Its combined fuel consumption is 11.7 l per 100 km.

Suspension layout consists of a McPherson strut configuration in front and an independent four link design in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four wheels. Four cylinder versions come standard with 215/70 R 16 tyres on 6.5J x 16 inch wheels, while the V6 rolls on 235/60 R 17 tyres on 7.0J x 17 inch wheels. 235/55 R 18 are available.

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Chevrolet Captiva SUV -official

Alter a long period of wait, Chevrolet previews its all new compact SUV, Captiva. Co-developed with Daewoo, the Captiva retains the prototype’s (S3X) design theme. The Captiva is one of GM’s worldwide car projects as it will be sold in Europe (as Chevrolet), Asia (as Daewoo) and the US (as Saturn).

Oficial press release:

The Captiva will also be the first model in Chevrolet’s European range available with an electronic stability program (ESP). It debuts at the Geneva motor show (March 2 - 12, 2006) and will be available in showrooms across Europe starting in June.

Dimenisons

The Captiva offers expressive design and a spacious, convenient interior featuring high quality fabrics and materials. The new compact SUV measures 4,639/1,849/1,726 mm (length/width/height) and with a wheelbase of 2,707 mm. It will be available with seven or five seats respectively.

4wd system

Customers will also have the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants. The latter variant features an-active-on demand, four-wheel-drive-system. As driving conditions demand, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and ARP (Anti-Rollover Protection).

Engine specifications

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available for the Captiva. They include the brand new, state-of-the-art common rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto&Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori. In its first application, the 16 valve unit offers 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2000 rpm.. In the ECE mix, fuel consumption is 8.1 L per 100 km. It is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe, beginning in 2006.

The base engine is a 2.4 litre in-line DOHC four cylinder, delivering 142 hp at 5,200 rpm and a torque maximum of 220 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Captiva 2.4 average fuel consumption is 10.8 L per 100 km. The top-of-the line 3.2 litre V6 engine produces 225 hp at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque is 302 Nm at 3500 rpm.