The 2009 Overdrive SUV of the year – the Chevrolet Captiva LTZ now has automatic transmission and adaptive all wheel drive. OverDrive(March ’09) takes a dekko.

Transmission
The 5-speed automatic is a mite short of being a brilliant performer with the cogs evenly matched to the torque curve. Tall ratios don’t give it a performance edge but it does aid efficiency. Like most contemporary gearboxes the Captiva LTZ also has a tiptronic shifter so one can manually select gears with the stick. This transmission also comes with a ‘winter mode’ which basically lets the engine start off in second gear rather than first. This will reduce tyre slippage and will optimize torque availability to start off smoothly.

DriveTrain
The Captiva LTZ has an adaptive AWD system with a torque sensing electrically controlled coupling which controls torque distribution to all four wheels as and when needed. The Chevy also comes with a hill descent control system which monitors descending speeds without needing the brakes to be applied and thus reducing the prospect of human error. In addition it also has an electronic stability program and traction control both of which give it extremely good capabilities off road.

Performance

Despite AWD, traction control and ESP providing smooth launches, the languid gearbox slows the Captiva’s pace by a fraction. It is about a couple a seconds slower than its manual sibling, getting to 100kmph in 13.69 seconds. The quarter mile and standing kilometer are dispatched in 19.3 and 35.6 seconds respectively. Kickdown is actually strong thanks to the juiciest slice of torque coming smack in the middle where it matters the most. so acceleration is immediate which greatly enhances highway motoring.

Verdict
In a nutshell, the Captiva LTZ is a competent car. A fun off-roader as long as the terrain is yielding and not arduous or demanding. Fuel efficiency for an AWD SUV with automatic transmission is respectable and this being a diesel softens the blow of the 21-lakh-rupee plus sticker. Wisely, General Motors has realized before everybody else that there is a market for a premium diesel automatic SUV. Until a stronger contender arrives, the Captiva is your best of not only bet.