Official: Daewoo S3X becomes Holden Captiva!

CAPTIVA it is! GM Holden has pulled no surprises by confirming it will adopt the international moniker for its long-awaited mid-sized SUV to rival Ford’s triumphant Territory.

Fishermens Bend announced the forthcoming model’s name in a press release issued on the eve of the Daewoo SX3 concept-based production car’s world debut at Geneva today, titled "Holden Captiva – the new SUV to Captivate Australia".

Apart from releasing the first official images, the company also confirmed what’s been known for some time: Captiva will employ a 3.2-litre version of its own Port Melbourne-built Global V6 to power all four wheels via an active (read: part-time) all-wheel drive system.

Like Territory, Holden says Captiva will also feature ESP stability control, and will be available with either five or seven seats.

The General has not divulged exactly when in the second half of this year Captiva will hit Holden showrooms, let alone what variants, specifications or price points the model range will comprise.

But expect the Captiva V6 to open with a sub-$40,000 pricetag that’s competitive with both Territory and Toyota’s Kluger, and for turbo-diesel and possibly even four-cylinder variants to follow.

Initially, three transversely-mounted engines will be available in Europe, including a state-of-the-art common-rail 2.0-litre SOHC turbo-diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori.

In its first application, the 16-valve variable geometry turbo (VGT) equipped unit offers 112kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 310Nm at 2000rpm, and delivers combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1L/100km.

A less expensive version, featuring a fixed geometry turbo (FGT), develops 88kW at 4000rpm and 280Nm at 2000rpm. Both diesels will be built at a new powertrain plant in Gunsan, South Korea.

Europe's base petrol engine is a 2.4-litre in-line DOHC four-cylinder, delivering 106kW at 5200rpm and 220Nm at 4000rpm. The average fuel consumption of the 2.4 is 10.8L/100km.

The top-of-the line, Holden-sourced Alloytec 3.2-litre V6 engine produces 168kW at 6000rpm and 302Nm at 3500rpm.

Suspension layout consists of a MacPherson strut configuration in front andan independent four-link system at the rear. Four-wheel ventilated discbrakes are standard.

In Europe, the four-cylinder versions come standard with 215/70 R16 tyres on6.5J x 16-inch wheels, while the V6 rolls on 235/60 R17 tyres on 7.0J x17-inch wheels.

Of course, Holden is quick to point out Captiva’s "strong Australian influence" via the involvement of former GM Holden designers Mike Simcoe and Max Wolff – as well as that of Holden engineers.

The latter are said to have tested the new model extensively around Australia and at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria to ensure "top class ride and handling for local conditions".

Officially, Captiva is 4635mm long, 1850mm wide, 1720mm high and rides on a 2707 wheelbase, making it 221mm shorter and 48mm narrower than Territory, which also has a 135mm-longer wheelbase and is 6mm higher.

Captiva features an active all-wheel drive system that "instantly employs the rear axle, as driving conditions dictate, via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to provide maximum traction".

"Captiva is a striking design with flexible seating and extremely competitive equipment levels," said GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney.

"The production car remains very close to the S3X concept which has impressed motor show crowds in Australia in the past few months.

"The extensive Australian input in Captiva covers the outside, inside and underneath to ensure it looks, feels and drives as a Holden should.

"This vehicle has been a missing link in our product line-up and we believe there is strong appetite for its arrival.

"Captiva is Holden’s strongest move yet into the sports utility vehicle market and it will represent great value and high specification," said Mr Mooney.