Holden’s upgraded Captiva 5 LTZ is an attractive family wagon loaded with handy extras
These days very few SUV buyers are looking 4WD capability in off-road conditions, rather they want an on-road station wagon with a high level of equipment and the premium features usually only found in upmarket models.
Well aware of this, Holden has introduced a new model to its Captiva 5 range. Titled the LTZ, it comes as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, heated front seats, a powered driver’s seat.
Perhaps even more importantly, Holden’s Captiva LTZ has an all-new six-speed ‘Gen II’ automatic transmission that’s designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
During our just completed week’s road test we also found the new-generation automatic transmission provided very smooth shifts to exactly match local driving conditions. Due to the strong engineering input from Australians working in the South Korean centre, it has been tuning to suit our drivers’ desires.
This new automatic is installed not only in the five-seat Holden Captiva 5 LTZ we tested, but also in all Captiva 5 and 7 variants.
Holden Captiva 5 LTZ has a recommended price of just $32,990 for the two-wheel drive 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol variant, and $36,990 for the 4WD 2.2-litre turbo diesel model.
Holden Captiva is offered with either five or seven seats, hence the names Captiva 5 and Captiva 7, and with the choice of two or four-wheel drive. At this stage the LTZ is only being produced as a five-seater.
All Holden Captiva models have alloy wheels, cruise control and Bluetooth phone and music connectivity.
Our test Captiva 5 had the latest 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that has lower fuel usage and fewer emissions than the one it superseded a couple of years back. It also had a new-design six-speed automatic transmission.
Typical fuel consumption when running on motorways and level country roads was in the eight to nine litres per hundred kilometres range. About town in traffic this rose to 10 to 12 litres. Not particularly good figures for a diesel, but this is a relatively large heavy SUV.
We were surprised by the relatively high noise levels from the diesel engine when it was idling, and didn’t expect the radiator fan to make as much noise as it did. When cruising everything quietens down.
Interior comfort is good with large front seats that support nicely. There’s good space for four adults and a child and the luggage space area is large and easy to load. The rear seat backrests can be set at three different angles to juggle load length and/or comfort needs. The 60/40 split backrest folds completely flat in a matter of seconds, but only from inside the back doors, there’s no access by way of levers at this stage.
Steering is reasonably sharp and the feedback it offers is good, for an SUV, that is. While it lags a little behind the Europeans in handling dynamics, the lower cost of the Korean/Australian Captiva must be taken into consideration.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control.
Holden’s new Captiva 5 LTZ gives you a lot of vehicle for a pretty modest price and is certainly worth putting on your list of possible buys.
