GM India launches 2015 Chevrolet Captiva at Rs 25 lakh

General Motors India has launched its 2015 Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 SUV which comes with some new features including a dual-zone AC, cluster ioniser along with a new instrument cluster, an illuminated glovebox, a deep centre console bin, a rear centre console storage area and handy door bins.

On the outside, the Captiva has a contoured hood, aggressive clear-lens projection headlamps and eye-catching signature Chevrolet grille featuring a prominent Chevrolet bowtie, the company said.

The SUV will be offered both in manual and automatic versions. The ex-showroom Delhi price of the Captiva MT will be Rs 25,13,528  and the Captiva AT Rs 27,36,192.

The SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system besides the manual transmission variant. On the seating front, it has a 5 + 2 flexi-seating layout.

Arvind Saxena, president and MD, General Motors India, said: “The launch of the all-new model year 2015 Captiva is in line with our business plan of capturing the all-important SUV market and growing our market share. The Captiva has been warmly welcomed in markets around the world due to its combination of distinctive styling, refinement, best-in-class safety, comfort and versatility and powerful yet frugal diesel powertrain. In India, it has created a niche for itself in the premium SUV segment.”

A month ago, GM India confirmed that it will launch the Trailblazer SUV later this year and the Spin MPV in 2016. While the Trailblazer is targeted at the Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Toyota Fortuner, the Spin will be pitched against the Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and the upcoming Renault Lodgy. The ladder-on-frame Trailblazer is said to be a proper seven-seater and more spacious than its rivals.

As part of GM's restructuring of its Thailand operations, announced last month, the automaker is to phase out the Spin MPV out of its Thailand model portfolio at the end of its current model year lifecycle.  

Under the skin, the Trailblazer comes with the choice of a 2.8-litre and 2.5-litre diesel units in the international markets. However, the engine specs for India have not been confirmed. Also, it is yet to be known whether the Trailblazer will replace the Captiva or be sold alongside it. In order to keep costs in check and keep prices competitive, Chevrolet is expected to bring the Trailblazer via the CKD route. The Spin, will compete against the likes of the Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and the upcoming Renault Lodgy.

With two upcoming vehicles, GM India has its work cut out not only against the competition but also on the branding front given that the brand has lost some of its cache.