Long been a favourite for many Malaysians since its introduction in 2007, the Chevrolet Captiva VCDI (turbo-diesel variant) has managed to clinch the award for Best Value-For-Money SUV/Crossover at the Autoworld Car of The Year Awards 2012, where it was recognized for its high value in terms of interior space, engine and drive-train specifications, amenities, safety features, pricing and overall value-for-money.
This win comes after the Captiva’s previous win for Best SUV/Crossover at the Shell V-Power Autoworld Car Of The Year Awards in 2011 for its European inspired styling and impressive driving dynamics.
The SUV was first introduced to the Malaysian market in 2007 and has since risen as a premium SUV top-seller. A year after its debut, the Chevrolet Captiva was classed as ‘SUV of the Year’ by NST-CBT Car of the Year Awards 2008. The diesel version also earned top honours in the ‘Compact SUV’ category at the Asian Auto Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards 2008. NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd (exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet in Malaysia) launched a revamped petrol version of the Captiva in August 2011 and the turbo-diesel variants in May 2012.
Available in both LT and LTZ variants, the 2.0L turbo Diesel VCDI engine resides under the hood, producing 161bhp at 3,800rpm and 360Nm of torque from as low as 2,750rpm that’s coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission possessing Driver Shift Control (DSC) and ECO mode; similar to that found in the petrol variant Captiva LT.
Both the petrol and turbo-diesel LT variants are equipped with similar 18″ alloys whereas the LTZ is equipped with the largest-in-class 19″ alloys rims in enhancing the Captiva’s sophistication.
The LTZ comes with perforated leather upholstery; has an electrically-operated parking brake; 3 dimensional sound staging system, multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel from the petrol powered LT variant, and also an electro-chromic rear-view mirror to reduce the glare from the headlights of a vehicle at the rear.
The turbo-diesel variants offer safety features from the original petrol LT such as the active and passive safety systems with dual front airbags. These airbags are supplemented by curtain airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels (ventilated at the front) with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including anti-rollover protection (ARP) and self-levelling suspension system (Self-Levelizer).
Premium features such as the ‘Hill Start Assist’ prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when the brakes are released on a slope. The ‘Hill Descent Control,’ which helps the Captiva maintain a constant speed when descending steep slopes to maximize traction and control, are standard on all LT and LTZ variants.
The latest Captiva comes with flexi seat with seven seats and additional features such as: an air conditioning system with remote switch, electric parking brake, 6-speed tiptronic A/T with Eco Mode, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS) which aid drivers dealing with poor driving conditions. The Hill Descent Control System (HDCS) is ideal for steep slopes whilst Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to reach the accelerator pedal after releasing the footbrake. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) is perhaps most helpful for dealing with Malaysian traffic as it detects applied brake force during emergency braking, responding by increasing braking pressure.
The current retail price for the Chevrolet Captiva begins at RM158,888 for the Petrol variant and RM165,888 for the Diesel variant and is available at all Chevrolet showrooms nationwide.
