05 December 2011
Holden’s Series II Captiva 7 range offers a number of different models – all with seven seats -- from the entry-level SX 2WD automatic petrol model at $32,490 to the LX AWD 2.2 Diesel at $43,490. Impressed by the 7-seater’s stylish new design, I was excited to test drive the top of the line LX 2.2 Diesel model for a week.
Style & Drive
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I was pleased to see that the car’s interior was just as stylish and functional as its exterior. The LX 2.2 comes equipped with cruise control, climate control, satellite navigation, a seven-inch LCD multi-function touch screen, Bluetooth, an electric driver's seat, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a trip computer and an eight-speaker stereo system with 6-CD stacker and USB input. The generously-sized touch screen was very easy to use, and the navigation system was a cinch to program and follow, though it did get confused when I was driving through Sydney’s cross-city tunnel – it kept trying to send me off on the surface roads located above me! An inconspicuous push-button electric handbrake takes a little while to get used to as it’s easy to overlook at first, but has the benefit of adding more space to the centre console.
Along for the ride was my six-month-old daughter, whose backward-facing car seat fitted in the back passenger seat with room to spare – as a consequence, the front passenger didn’t have to ride with their seat pushed forward and their knees around their ears. The 50/50 split third row is great for growing families but definitely should be reserved for kids only – there’s limited leg room back there and the seats are small.
For its size, Holden's Captiva is pretty easy to drive. With its high bonnet and burbling diesel engine, it does feel like a bit of tank sometimes, but it has power when you need it, and the rear parking sensors and reversing camera instill a lot of confidence when you’re attempting a tight parallel park on a busy street! One cool feature is that the tailgate window opens via remote power key, or by a button on the driver’s side.
Safety
Though the new Captiva has yet to be tested by ANCAP, it features six airbags (driver, passenger, front side and curtain), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), an Anti-lock braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), and a Descent Control System (DCS).
Eco
Fuel consumption: 8.3L/100km
CO2 emission: 220g/km
Servicing
Servicing is at 3000km (no cost inspection). First major service at 15,000km, and then every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Describe the car in 3 words
Solid, spacious, streamlined.
What are the best things about this car?
It’s large enough for a growing family, and it looks pretty good too.
What are the downsides of this car?
When you’ve got the back row of seats up, there isn’t much boot space.
What kind of petrol does it use?
Diesel.
Liked it?
Yes. You can take it away for the weekend without worrying about getting it dirty. It’s not pretentious like some SUVs.
If personified, who would this car be?
Matt Damon.