The Indian automotive industry has seen many foreign players entering and leaving a mark. Automakers such as Hyundai and Skoda have set a strong foot in the market. Some were not this lucky. One of them is the American carmaker, General Motors. The company that wrapped up its operation on our shores back in 2017 had introduced some really good cars in the lineup before. One of them is GM’s first SUV in India, the Chevrolet Captiva. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at what the car offered and how well it went for Captiva in India.
2008 Auto Expo | Chevrolet Captiva Launched
People remember the 9th Auto Expo as the launch event of the much anticipated Tata Nano, India’s cheapest car. But in the same event, Chevrolet launched their first SUV and that too a premium one, the Captiva. It had a lot to offer, be it the best-in-class safety or the performance. SUV was welcomed well. LEt’s take a look at what all was under the hood of the premium SUV.
Chevrolet Captiva | Engine Specifications
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| Engine | 2.0-litre VCDi Diesel |
| Capacity | 1,991 |
| Power | 150ps@4,000rpm |
| Torque | 320Nm@2,000rpm |
| Fuel Efficiency | 11.5kmpl |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
- Within a year, i.e. 2009, Chevrolet introduced an automatic variant and that too with an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).
- Later on, in 2010, the Xtreme version was launched with 4WD mode and manual transmission.
- The 2-litre CRDi engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) produced a good 150ps and 320nm of torque, enough to take on any SUV present in the market at that time.
Chevrolet Captiva was the safest car in the segment at that time. It scored a 4-star rating at the EuroNCAP. The Captiva came equipped with safety features such as dual-front airbags, curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, active front headrests, hill descent control, traction control system, electronic stability program, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors and much more. It can be said that Captiva was one of the few safe cars in India at that time.
What made the Captiva stand apart?
India was not having much to offer in the SUV segment. We had some budget ones like the Mahindra Scorpio or the Tata Safari. The premium ones like Hyundai Terracan were not able to make a mark because of their design. Well, Chevrolet introduced an SUV which offered aggressiveness and bold composure.
Chevrolet Captiva had a contoured hood, aggressive headlamps and a bold grille at the front with the Chevy badging at the centre. At the rear, you would have seen a large tailgate with indicators and reversing lamps. The most noticeable feature at the rear was the twin chrome exhaust pipes which added to the sporty looks of the Captiva.
At the inside also, Captiva was flooded with features. It had automatic climate control, dual-zone AC, side AC vents, 3rd row AC vents, integrated 2 DIN Radio CD MP3 audio system with 8 speakers, power-operated windows, and the list just goes on.
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The suspension in the Captiva was not a normal one. It was not dependent on the load inside the vehicle. The suspension of the Captiva could adjust itself in order to maximize the comfort of the occupants, whatever be the road ahead.
Y’all must have heard about this one! The Chevrolet Cruze | American Muscle in India
So, Did Chevrolet Captiva do well in India?
Well, how many of Captiva do you see on the roads? Isn’t that the answer to the question. The Chevrolet Captiva failed to captivate the Indian market (see what I did there?)
It was launched at a starting price of ₹17.7lakhs, which for such a car was not a very huge amount. But the Indians were not ready to spend a lot at that time. And the year was the time when the global recession hit everyone’s pockets. So, although it was praised by the media and welcomed warmly, Captiva was not able to make a huge mark in the country. And then with Chevy’s deteriorating hold over the Indian market, the Captiva also lost the battle to the rivals.
If it were to launch today, Captiva might capture a huge chunk of the market as the SUV segment has seen an increase in popularity in the past few years. But since GM has left the country, there is no hope for this to happen.
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What are your views on the Chevrolet Captiva? Was it a good SUV? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Captiva had always been a special car.. It was saddening to see Cruze and Captiva leaving the country.. A pretty informative one!!
Hi Chetan,
Captiva and Cruze were two of the best from Chevy in India, someday, they might make a comeback. When that happens, we’ll be the first to let you know. Stay pinned!
Still own one from 2008. Right now with the lack of spare parts, it’s like maintaining an elephant.
Glad to hear that you are taking care of your Captiva. Don’t forget to reach us in case you are having trouble sorting spare parts for your chevy
Me also facing same problem
Where should bye original spare parts
Hi Akbar,
We got you covered. Please share your car’s model name, contact details and location so that one of our Car Care Experts can help you on this. At GoMechanic, you’ll be able to get 100% genuine spare parts and that too at a competitive pricing.
Hello Mr.Gupta please ask someone to connect me for spares as I need few spares for captiva…..
My contact details 6386126391……
From Allahabad UP
Hi Sanjay,
Someone from our spares team will contact you shortly. Stay tuned!
Is the Captiva spare part avilable in Maharashtra right now.. because I want to buy it now.
Hi Afraz,
Please share your contact details and requirements.
I would like to sell my captiva..suggest me where can I sell it. Mtmy state is AndhraPradesh
मेरे पास भी captiva 2010 है मुझे भी इसके पार्ट्स को लेके बहुत परेशानी है
Please contact me 8209426465 from kota rajasthan
Hi Sikandar,
To assess you further could you please elaborate on the problem you are facing?
My favourite car Captiva plez spare parts requirement my contact number 9014790140
I have 2012 Captiva AWD white color, very happy with performance and not that hard to find spares in nashik
Great to hear that Satish. Mind if you share some HD pictures of your Captiva on gomechanicblog@gomechanic.in
and we’ll feature your car on all our socials #FlauntYourRide
Hi,
I have Captiva 2011 model. Vehicle is very good, but have some problem in getting spares, engine having back compression. Need suggestion on getting it done. From Mysore Karnataka
Mohan
mohanpremkumar11@gmail.com
9538666333
Hi Mohan!
You might have to visit your nearest GoMechanic workshop where our expert mechanics will have a look at the problem and let you know.
I have a metal treatment concentrate which will solve the problem
Hello I am use cevrolet captiva 2014 model automatic AWD THis car is very smooth car I am regular use this car no any problem this car Iam 100% Satisfied no any problem my mobile number 98171 67369 and 70182 83399
Hi there
GreaT TO know that your car is doing good!
I am vijaya, based out in Bangalore, looking for Chevrolet captive 2015 or 2016 model automatic white, please contact me on 9739012321 if you find one
hey vijaya
we don’t deal in used cars. However, if any of our readers spot one, they can let you know!
Hello folks,
I am from Mumbai and using a 2010 Chevrolet Captiva automatic variant. I am looking for genuine spare parts for my car. If any body can help that would be really helpful.
Hi Bharat
You can find genuine spare parts for your Chevrolet Captiva on the GoMechanic Spares App. Download the App here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gomechanic.spares&hl=en_IN&gl=US&pli=1
Also, you can download the GoMechanic App or simply leave your contact number here so that we can call you back and get these spare parts installed too!
Dear Vishal,
Thanks for the revert. I can be reached on 9820187555