Geneva show: Holden in no rush for Captiva tweak

CHEVROLET will debut a mildly facelifted version of the Captiva SUV – known as the Holden Captiva 7 in Australia – at the Geneva motor show next week, but the subtle updates are not likely to appear on the Aussie version this year.

The most striking changes consist of new LED tail-lights, sporty squared-off chrome exhaust tips, and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

A lower front bumper, redesigned rear bumper, updated grille mesh and new front foglights complete the look.

New interior colour schemes, fabrics and instrument trim join an improved specification including keyless entry and start as standard on up-spec variants, with dual-zone climate control, heated rear seats and ambient lighting bringing some variants of the seven-seat SUV more upmarket.

Holden external communications director Craig Cheetham told GoAuto the Australian adoption of the latest Captiva changes is some way off.

“There are no plans to change the vehicle we are getting in the immediate future, maybe within the next 12 months, but it is not due for revision in the Australian market just yet,” he said.

GoAuto understands European and Australian Captivas are sourced from the same South Korean factory.

Mr Cheetham explained that versions tweaked for each market – for example the Holden Captiva 5 is sold in Europe as the Opel/Vauxhall Antara – do not necessarily share the same product lifecycle.

“It is not that long since we introduced the facelifted (Captiva) version here so it has got more left in its cycle yet before it gets replaced,” he said.

Holden will launch the updated Cruze small car in Australia next week, with three new colours taken from the new VF Commodore palette – including a vivid orange hue recently spotted by GoAuto in Melbourne.

Mr Cheetham declined to confirm reports that some variants of the mildly facelifted Cruze will gain a 132kW/230Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine from the related Opel Astra.

The updated Cruze spotted by GoAuto, a sporty SRI-V variant most likely to receive the bigger engine, had updated alloy wheels and chunky chrome exhaust tip, the latter strongly suggesting some form of under-bonnet upgrade.

An updated interior will feature General Motors’ new MyLink infotainment system as debuted on the Barina CDX light car at the Sydney motor show last October.

The technology enables the driver to stream radio stations and on-demand music via apps using the data connection of a smartphone tethered with Bluetooth.