Chevrolet Readies Refreshed Captiva For European Market

Since making its debut at the Paris Motor Show last year, the  new refreshed Chevrolet Captiva is much more impressive than the outgoing model. Fresh to the Theta platform-based crossover are four new engines, new six speed manual and automatic transmissions, a new interior, a reshaped exterior, as well as necessities like a backup camera.

Powering the Captiva is a choice of two variants of GM’s 2.2L diesel engine, one that produces 184 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque (converted from Newton meters) while the other boasts 163 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Stick with unleaded, and you have two engine choices. One is a variant of GM’s 2.4L Ecotec engine that’s good for 167 horsepower and 169 pounds-feet of torque, while a variant of the 3.0L V6 engine producing 258 hp and 212 pounds-feet of torque. Gone are the old 5-speed automatic and manual transmissions in favor of more modern six speed manual and automatics, which should help the Captiva hit a longer stride and boost its fuel economy ratings.

The exterior features a noticeable transformation, discarding the passive look of the old model in favor of a more pronounced front fascia that bystanders can instantly recognize as the new Captiva as a Chevy — with its gaping twin-port grille (Chevy’s signature look) while the tail lamps receive an inverted color scheme look.

The interior of the Captiva now features more of a dual-cockpit feel in the front seat, with a 7-inch navigation screen as an option. Oh, and the Captiva offers three rows — something that is unavailable in the larger North American market Chevy Equinox. What gives, GM? More importantly, will a crossover such as this ever make it to North American shores? What about a global compact crossover to slot in underneath the Equinox/Captiva?