Many people are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport Fleet SUV for a long list of reasons. This is a vehicle that will appeal to a large array of consumers, not only for its rugged good looks, but for what’s under the hood as well. The Captiva will be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing and spark ignition direct injection to deliver 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard and will be capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds, when properly equipped. One of the most impressive points of this vehicle is that it will return 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Not too bad for a crossover, right? As for the ride, it is hard to know for sure what consumers are going to say, but if it is anything like the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe or Suburban, one can only expect the ride will be smooth and comfortable. Also, since it is a compact, it will be easier to maneuver and park than some other SUVs.
Until more information is available on the 2013 Captiva Sport Fleet, it is hard to say exactly what the highlights will be in this area, but Chevrolet rarely disappoints when it comes to the bells and whistles. A few known features include:
• Audio - A CD player with MP3 playback capability, Bluetooth, six speakers and surround sound will be the base system.
• Driver Information System - Here you will find important information, such as tire-pressure, fuel-economy range, oil life monitor, instant fuel economy, warning messages, outside temperature and more.
• OnStar - This telecommunications system includes automatic crash response, crisis alert, emergency services, injury server provider, turn-by-turn navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, hands-free calling and more.
Neither crash nor braking tests have been performed as of yet. One would expect that the Captiva Sport Fleet will boast the same thoughtful safety features as its relatives, but a complete list of features is yet to be released. However, we do know of a few that are guaranteed to be present:
• Airbags - This includes frontal and side-impact, head-curtain side-impact for driver and front passenger, as well as rear outboard seating positions.
• StabiliTrak - Chevrolet’s coveted stability control system.
• Daytime Running Lamps - This will include automatic exterior lamp control.
• OnStar - A six-month subscription to the Directions and Connections Plan will be included. This features stolen vehicle slow down, automatic crash response, injury severity predictor, emergency services, remote ignition block, crisis assist, turn-by-turn navigation and more.
• Tire-pressure Monitoring - This system measures the air in each tire using air pressure sensors.
• Other - Pedal release system, traction control, child seat anchors and rear door safety locks are confirmed.
There is no denying that you are looking at a Chevy the moment you first see the Captiva Sport Fleet. This is one rugged and sporty looking vehicle with black fascia in the front and rear, a fierce grille, roof-mounted luggage racks, tinted glass and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.
When you slip into the deluxe bucket seats, you enjoy a manual lumbar support and quickly notice how accessible everything is on the dash. The Driver Information Center is right at your fingertips and even your audio controls are on the steering wheel, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to change the station. It is hard to say how comfortable seating will be in the rear, but there is about as much leg and head room in the Captiva as there is in the Traverse, just to give you an idea.
Behind the front seat, there is 56.4 cubic feet of space, which isn’t really much. However, for everyday use, you will enjoy 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which is more than enough for groceries, golf clubs, luggage, etc.