The European, Chevrolet version of the Korean-built Holden Captiva has been unveiled in updated form ahead of its Paris motor show debut at the end of the month, accompanied by the release of some provisional details.
Significant styling changes at the front include a reshaped bonnet, wider and narrower headlights and a bigger, two-piece grille.
The Captiva's rear adopts a cleaner design with a new, narrower tail-light design.
LED indicator lenses for the door mirrors are the main change for the Captiva's side profile.
The black plastic surround for bumpers, sills and wheel-arches is retained from the Captiva 7 (seven-seater) model, which is currently differentiated from the cleaner-looking five-seater Captiva 5.
General Motors has also updated the interior for a model that was launched in 2006. It will continue to offer the choice of a third row of seats.
The company says it has introduced new seat fabrics, finishes and cabin materials to create a more upmarket feel. The redesign includes a wraparound-style dash that blends into the doors, though no interior pictures have been released yet.
Features include hill-start assist and an audio system with Aux, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. A touch-screen sat nav system and a rear-view camera sit on the options list.
The Captiva's noise refinement is also claimed to have been improved, so owners should hear less from three new engines.
European Captivas will be offered with the choice of a 126kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel - with a power output of either 120kW or 135kW. No torque outputs or fuel consumption figures have been supplied.
The petrol engine is a 23kW hike over the current 2.4 that powers the five-seater Captiva in Australia; both new diesels have a superior output to the existing 110kW 2.0-litre.
Power will be put to the ground via a new manual with an unspecified number of rations or a new six-speed auto for a vehicle that will again be offered in front-wheel-drive and (on-demand) all-wheel-drive formats.
Drive has criticised the current Captiva for its harsh ride and mediocre handling, but the revised Captiva promises improvements with a re-tuned suspension.
The new Captiva will arrive in European showrooms in the second quarter of 2011. Holden's version should go on sale about the same time.
The Captiva's sharp local starting price of $27,990 has helped establish it as the second-best-selling SUV in Australia, just behind the Toyota Prado.
