Holden has given its popular Captiva 7 medium SUV a comprehensive styling and performance upgrade while also reducing the price.

The latest Series II version of the seven-seater Captiva offers improved performance and fuel economy from its new SIDI V6, four-cylinder turbo diesel and petrol engines, premium six-speed automatic transmission, as well as six-airbag safety and styling changes.

Captiva 7’s value for money reputation will be strengthened by the introduction of a unique four-cylinder petrol variant priced at $32,490. Stepping up the competition, Holden has sliced $2000 off the recommended retail tags of all equivalent Series I Captiva 7 models.

“We want to emphasise the fact that Series II Captiva 7 represents the best all-round value in the medium, family SUV segment,” said John Elsworth, Holden’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

“The new Series II Captiva 7 is more powerful and fuel efficient, it’s better-equipped and now more affordable than ever.  We believe the new four cylinder petrol-powered SX will attract even more buyers to a range that is one of Australia’s most popular family cars.”

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Powerful new generation engine choices for Series II Captiva 7 are a 123kW 2.4 litre DOHC four cylinder petrol engine (SX model), a 135 kW 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and the advanced, Commodore-proven 190 kW 3.0 litre SIDI V6 (CX and LX).

All are matched to premium six-speed automatic transmissions.

The punchy turbo diesel powerplant puts out 23 per cent more power and 25 per cent more torque than its predecessor and Holden’s locally-built SIDI V6 increases power by 12 per cent.

Fuel economy on the 2.4-litre two-wheel Captiva SX of 9.1 litres/100km (ADR 81/02) makes it the most fuel efficient petrol seven-seater in its class.

The torquey 2.2 litre turbo diesel posts 8.1L/100km on two-wheel-drive variants (8.3L/100km for all-wheel-drive), a 5 per cent improvement on the previous diesel, while the V6 delivers a balance of performance and economy at 11.3 litres/100km (ADR81/02).

Refinements to chassis dynamics, sound insulation and steering feel contribute to a well-balanced ride quality, quieter cabin and more responsive handling attributes.

The improvements complement a hydraulic control feature which automatically adjusts suspension to maintain a level ride height.

Design and Feature Highlights

Dynamic new front-end styling features a distinctive twin-port grille flanked by prominent fog lamps. The hood surface is re-sculpted; turn signals are integrated into external mirrors; elongated headlamps sweep back to wheel arches which accommodate 19-inch alloys (LX), 18-inch alloys (CX) and 17-inch alloys (SX). A clear lens tail lamp design updates the rear end.

Captiva 7 is available in a choice of nine exterior finishes, three of which are new to this range including Moulan Rouge Red (deep red metallic), White Pearl (white metallic) and Desert Sand (soft beige metallic).

Inside, additional convenience features include an electric park brake and standard Bluetooth® connectivity plus air conditioning, leather wrap steering wheel and cruise control.

The inclusion of the push-button electric park brake also adds elegance to the interior by removing the bulky hand brake lever and creating space for a multi-purpose storage compartment.

The CX also receives climate control, driver information display, Sportec seat bolsters and Rear Park Assist, while the range-topping LX adds leather appointed seat trim, satellite navigation, rear view camera, USB port and a 7-inch multifunction touch-screen.

Safety

An impressive array of active and passive safety technology is augmented at Series II

with the inclusion of side impact airbags as standard, bringing the airbag total to six.

An Electronic Stability Control system incorporates anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce

distribution, brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and the active all-wheel drive system which determines requirements for optimum traction.

Series II also introduces Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology across the Captiva 7 range. It holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 per cent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer drive away from standstill.

All models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for driving steep gradients.

Captiva 7 CX features rear park assist and Captiva 7 LX combines rear park assist with a standard rear view camera.