Chevrolet Captiva: winter olympics

We continue to test Chevrolet vehicles in search of a comfortable family car. It is convenient to conquer Olympus with comfort. Chevrolet Captiva gives you the opportunity to realize your desires - with maximum convenience.

With a desire to find out how a 7-seater car behaves in practice in winter, we decided to try it out.

(Total 37 photos)

Designer searches were not limited to exterior restyling. The result of the latter was slightly changed dimensions and volume of internal space. The new body geometry is not only a tribute to fashion, but also an improvement in aerodynamic qualities.

From the side of the trunk, Chevrolet branding is clearly visible. This applies to both optics and common family traits.

It will reach not only the nearest traffic light, but is ready to take your company for a walk in the mountains. For example, skiing. Clearance of 200 mm is enough to overcome obstacles. Engine power depends on the selected model: Captiva 2.4 (171 hp) Captiva 2.2D (184 hp) Captiva 3.0 V6 (249 hp)

Gasoline and diesel versions are available.

Suspension complete order. Moderately tough. At low speed, small pits are simply “swallowed”. Front: independent, spring, MacPherson; back: automatic leveling.

Duplicate direction indicators are undoubtedly a necessary and useful thing in city traffic. Yes, and on the track, an extra "illumination" in conditions of insufficient visibility will be in place.

New LED taillights work out more than the salary of engineers. Complaints - no.

The luggage opening of the Captiva is almost even in geometry with small protrusions at the bottom. For the better, it is worth noting the low loading height. Therefore, there will be no problems with the transportation of heavy things.

The useful volume of the trunk depends on the number of seats: 5 or 7 are available at the moment. Based on the most popular formula "4 passengers + 1 driver", the volume will be 477 liters (with the seats folded) and 942 liters (with the seats unfolded).

In the underground there is a convenient functional niche made of plastic for storing tools and necessary small things.

Access is fast and convenient.

The entrance to the second row is comfortable. The door opens wide enough to allow even passengers with especially strong gastronomic addictions to enter.

You can get to the third row only by folding the second row. Riding in fact "in the trunk" will fit only for children and small-sized teenagers. Or for short distances for adults. In this case, the curtain will have to be left at home in advance.

The second row seat folds 40:60.

The distance in the shoulders and in the legs is quite enough for a comfortable ride for even tall and oversized passengers. When riding together, you can use the armrest with built-in cup holder.

The steering wheel is quite large in diameter, it clearly traces the motives of the past decade. However, the driver's seat is comfortable, all controls are in their usual places and do not require adaptation.

The indication of the instrument scale is clearly visible in the daytime and in the dark. Does not cause complaints.

The center console (depending on the configuration you choose) may include a different set of components. Cars come with both "mechanics" and "automatic" - in each category of engine size.

The climate settings are finely tuned, but they do not work perfectly - you can feel the temperature drops in the cabin at the time of regulation. On the horizontal panel, you can activate the "off-road mode".

Radio with a soft stroke of the keys and a distinct return. The downside is the radio. The radio searches for a station for a long time when switching. I don’t understand what this is connected with, maybe I should have studied the settings more deeply.

Switching gears is convenient. The atmospheric engine provides smooth traction. The claimed consumption is obviously lower than the real one. Especially if we talk about metropolitan traffic and automatic transmission.

Adjusting the brightness of the head lamps and adjusting the side mirrors. The control units are grouped together.

The sound quality of the built-in speakers is acceptable.

An additional "hatch" on the "dashboard" is ideal for storing small items.

A glove compartment of medium depth without additional niches and shelves.

The chrome dark gray finish is visually pleasing.

The headlights “cut” the darkness well, focusing with a dense beam on the road.

The handle is smooth and confident. You can not be afraid that the child will tear it off.

The air intake gives the Chevrolet Captiva a dashing and confident look.

Despite the large rear window and the operation of the parking sensors, the large dimensions of the car affect when parking in tight spaces.

The radiator grille, which has already become recognizable, provides the proper level of cooling for the “heart”.

Several packages are offered. The most "off-road" - Irmscher. Provides better cross-country ability in difficult conditions. In our case it was an alpine skiing trip where Captiva took us.

The same package allows you to increase the ground clearance - by 35 mm.

If you do not want to drive, then the "economy driving mode - ECO" will help save fuel.

The Captiva moves confidently through the snow, without the risk of getting stuck. But with deep snowdrifts, it’s not worth the risk, after all, this is a city dweller.

But it will take you to the nearest ski slope easily, quickly and with a breeze. You can reach speeds up to 200 km / h, although we did not experiment with extreme points.

Easily suitable for the role of a family car. And if necessary, it will help to force small obstacles on the way to your rest.

Test drive Chevrolet Captiva showed its full suitability as a crossover. Comfortable, functional and attractive in its price range.