GLOBAL CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SHOWS NEW FACE IN PARIS [LIVE IMAGES]

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By Andrew Ganz

The European-market Chevrolet Captiva, engineered by GM-Daewoo in South Korea, will receive a new front fascia, as well as a pair of new powertrains for the 2011 model year.

Having been launched for the 2006 model year, the Captiva was growing a little long in the tooth. To keep things fresh, the crossover gains a new front end inspired by the Chevrolet Cruze. Nearly everything is new from the A-pillars forward, including the larger grille, redesigned headlamps, domed hood and door-mounted mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. A handful of other detail changes update the rest of the Captiva's exterior.

New finishes and textures round out the major interior changes. A new audio system includes aux-in, USB and Bluetooth capabilities, while a touch screen navigation and a rear view camera are also available. GM says that it has reduced road noise by improving sound deadening.

Some of the biggest changes come under the Captiva's new hood, however. A new direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 producing 258 horsepower is now on the options list. Lifted from the Captiva's North American long-wheelbase platform-mate Chevrolet Equinox, the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmision. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder (also used in the Equinox) boasting variable valve timing and 171 horsepower will come as standard.

A new 2.2-liter turbodiesel is poised to take over as the volume Captiva powertrain, however. Available in two configurations - 163 and 184 horsepower. The common rail diesel engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission in most markets.

The V6 comes only with all-wheel-drive, while the Captiva's other engines are available with standard front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive.

If the Captiva looks familiar to you, it's because it is: You might remember the Captiva (or at least parts of it) as the short-lived second-generation Saturn Vue. Last year, GM canned the Saturn brand, although it briefly contemplated rebranding the Vue as a small Buick crossover. Both the Captiva and the Vue rode on versions of GM's Theta platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.

link:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-captiva.html

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