The 2.4L petrol 4-pot produces 136hp at 5000rpm, with maximum torque of 220Nm at a low 2200rpm. The likely more saleable (better acceptance?) 2.0L turbo-diesel meanwhile, pushes out a healthy 150hp at 4000rpm plus a grunty 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Both engines – designed by Italy’s engine maker VM Motori - are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic mode.

However, I will stop here by commenting on this SUV. Leave it for my friend - David, to comment further more on his test drive experience. Check out the Comments section of this post.

The indicative prices for the new Captiva are:
2.4L FWD Petrol RM139,252
2.4L 4WD Petrol RM147,252
2.0L FWD Diesel RM146,924
2.0L 4WD Diesel RM155,924

UPDATED: David's Review - 26 Sept 2008

A visit to Chevrolet showroom located alongside its neighbors, Mazda, Volkswagen and Naza Group. Chevrolet had came a long way with almost decade ago with slow growing number of models, and all of the models shares identical frontal grill and body design.

Though this showroom has limited models on display, we decided to test drive something different than ordinary sedans then we ended up picking the Captiva for a spin.

The cues and lines of the Captiva is identified and similarly resembles the other of its sedan siblings. Personal preference I would actually choose this over the all time popular CRV. The exterior bears some cool fender grill, side mirror signal lamp, twin exhausts pipes altogether with a sleek rear wing. While the interior somewhat resembles the KIA Sorento, this cabin is finished with  slightly luxurious looking materials on the console and door panel, 7 leather wrapped seats, Multi information display, 8 way speaker system and electronic seat for the driver. Something that irks me on the console, is its knobs are fitted loosely and doesn't gives much feedback and hardly feels clicking. For extra, the dash comes with a cooled glove box and the handbrake lever is the "Samurai Sword" type, similar to the ones found in Proton Gen 2.

We test drive the AWD 2.0 Diesel version, with 150bhp and 320nm of torque at 2,000rpm. During the test course, along Federal Highway with much traffic, there are only few stretch that is clear enough to put its torque and horses to test. The torque kicks in low upon stomping the pedal and the feel of rush lasted several second before the gear changes but did not have the chance to test the max power of 150hp only comes in at 6,000rpm.

With the ride bounds not too harsh on bumps and potholes. The power and ride is adequate for everyday driving and occasional off roads on the weekends.

Other bell and whistles, included are Rain Sensor for wiper triggering, rear auto leveling suspension depending on load, auto leveling headlamps, 5 speed auto with Tiptronic, multi function steering and many nice touches added interior and exterior. To conclude, the Captiva adds itself to list of SUV's with greater variety and offer of equipments, which is of course definitely bang for buck starting at RM139,252 OTR.