New 2012 Chevrolet Captiva India launch soon?

GM (General Motors) India will soon replace its aging Chevrolet Captiva premium SUV with the latest (2012) Captiva sold in European markets by second half of 2011. Expect the new Captiva to cost Rs. 75,000 (approx.) higher than the current model which is priced staring from Rs. 17.96 lakh to Rs. 18.68 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

Chevrolet and its bow-tie large split grille has been earning an encouraging response from the Indian car buyers. Both the cars, the Chevrolet Beat and the Chevrolet Cruze which bears the company’s new global signature grille are selling in good numbers. The overall design has a more aggressive stance to the new Captiva. Also read: Chevrolet Captiva Automatic

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva retains the dual cockpit design as featured in Beat and Cruze. The interiors lack brightness as the grey-black combination dulls the cabin. Expect GM India to offer new interior colors when the SUV is launched in the country.

Chevrolet claims that the 2012 Captiva has improved the interiors to reduce the engine as well as road noise on the move. For instance, the engine has a new hydraulic mounting that reduces vibrations at idle speeds and the engine sound intensity is less by 3db (decibels) than the current model. Further, a new sealing package reduces the wind noise around it.

2012 Chevrolet Captiva – Engine and Transmission

With regard to engine options, there are chances that the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will get a spruced up, better performing 2.2 litre CRDI diesel motor that produces 163 bhp of maximum power and 350 Nm of maximum torque.

Currently the Captiva model sold in India is powered by a 2.0 litre diesel engine that also powers the Chevrolet Cruze. The current Variable Geometry Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection (VCDi) produces 150 PS of maximum power and 320 Nm of maximum torque.

The new Captiva could be offered in both manual as well as automatic transmission. The newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission can also act as manual gear box via the Driver Shift Control (DSC) feature.

Performance

Chevrolet claims that the new Captiva powered by the 2.2 litre diesel engine (163 bhp) can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/hr in 9.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 189 km/hr.

2012 Captiva – All Wheel Drive option

The 2012 Captiva has optional All Wheel Drive that can distribute the torque to the rear wheels by almost half. The all wheel drive system is integrated with the ABS and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to improve the handling of the Captiva. Further ESC has Hydraulic Brake Assist, Descent Control System and Active Rollover Protection that enhances the control over the vehicle during spirited driving.

The 2012 Captiva boasts new features, attractive looks and better performance than the current model which has a few drawbacks such as inconsistent ride & handling, power lower rpm performance. When launched, the new Captiva will help GM India compete with enough valor in the Indian entry-premium SUV segment.

We have no idea about the price at which the new Captiva would be launched in India by GM; but don’t expect any substantial hike over the current price.