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Holden Captiva 5 2011 review

There's a new face this time and detail changes to body hardware.

Holden has performed magic on its Captiva SUV with new engines, transmissions, features, a new look and extra kit all thrown into the mix. It makes a powerful argument especially considering the value pricing.

We got hold of the "European" look, Captiva 5 front wheel drive petrol 2.4 — bottom of the range and came away quite impressed, especially given the $29,990 pricing for the six-speed auto. The six-speed manual is two grand less.

Value

Hard to beat unless you look to the Chinese. We know where we'd put our money — on a Captiva every time. The vehicle we drove had plenty of kit including a multi mode trip computer, decent audio, remote central locking, climate control, power ancillaries, an electric parking brake and park assist to name a few goodies.

Tech

Not bristling with "tech" but gets variable valve timing in the engine for efficiency gains. Six-speed auto has sequential manual change and the wheel has multiple controls for the audio. Auto headlights are handy as is the large centre console box that could be the biggest in the business.

Design

Variation on the original which was quite handsome. There's a new face this time and detail changes to body hardware — same on the inside. It has plenty of room for five and a large load space. The rear seats fold flat and the overall dash layout is easy to use even though the amber lighting on some of the instruments, particularly the trip computer, makes it hard to read.

Safety

Not rated by ANCAP yet but we'd suspect it would gain a five star pass. Plenty of primary and secondary safety features including six air bags, stability control, active rollover protection, hill start assist, brake assist. Everything you'd expect in a new car today.

Driving

Surprisingly good if a little thirsty clocking up 10.3 litres/100km. The 2.4-litre twin cam engine has acceptable performance with 123kW/230Nm on tap. Holden claims 9.1-litres/100km which could be do-able.

It's a Euro 4 engine so emissions are low and the whole shooting match is easy on the ear and smooth running. It is capably assisted by the slick six speed auto. Ride is firmer than expected — quite sporty actually as is the handling — good for an SUV. You can punt it around corners without worrying it may tip over. The steering is pretty good to as are the brakes.

Verdict

Good package if you don't need or want all wheel drive, seven seats or diesel. Good looker, right size, plenty of kit, sharp price — what's not to like...

Pricing guides

$7,990
Based on 177 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$2,999
Highest Price
$12,998

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
SX (fwd) 2.0L, Diesel, 5 SP AUTO $7,700 – 10,780 2011 Holden Captiva 2011 SX (fwd) Pricing and Specs
SX (4X4) 3.2L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $6,710 – 9,460 2011 Holden Captiva 2011 SX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
LX (4X4) 3.2L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $7,700 – 10,890 2011 Holden Captiva 2011 LX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
CX (4X4) 2.0L, Diesel, 5 SP AUTO $7,260 – 10,230 2011 Holden Captiva 2011 CX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

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Pricing Guide

$2,999

Lowest price, based on 159 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.