Holden’s new Daewoo-built sports utility vehicle will be called Captiva and will be powered by a new 3.2-litre Global V6 all-alloy engine made in Port Melbourne. Our Editor expects a Daewoo diesel will, also, be on offer next year.

Holden today announced the name and released the first images of the new production car to coincide with Captiva’s global debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said Captiva would be available with five or seven seats, electronic stability programme (ESP) and an active all-wheel-drive system.

Mr Mooney said Captiva would be in Holden showrooms in the second half of 2006. The start of sales date, model line-up and further technical specifications will be released closer to launch.

“Captiva is a striking design with flexible seating and extremely competitive equipment levels,” Mr Mooney said.

“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.”

The Holden Captiva will measure 4.635m long, 1.850m wide and 1.720m high, offering spacious seating for five or a third row to fit seven people.  High quality materials will provide an impressive fit and finish to complement its sophisticated and bold exterior design.

Captiva has a strong Australian influence, with former GM Holden-based designers Mike Simcoe and Max Wolff involved in the car’s design team. GM Holden engineers extensively tested Captiva around Australia and at GM Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground, ensuring top class ride and handling for local conditions.

Captiva’s active all-wheel-drive system instantly employs the rear axle, as driving conditions dictate, via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to provide maximum traction. This system also works seamlessly with ESP and ABS, enhancing driver control.