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Holden Captiva 2007 Review

The good is that Holden's share arrangement with Daewoo seems to have worked splendidly on the quality and refinement front with the Captiva — a huge relief since the same can't be said for the little Barina and Viva cheapies.

The bad is that there is a confusing number of trim levels which stand at four with a diesel to join the stable this year.

The ugly is that it is questionable whether the so-called range leader, the Captiva MaXX, is really justified in topping the prices at $42,990 when the LX is arguably more tasteful in luxury decor and appearance for $1000 less.

Anyway, to each their own but from a product planning viewpoint, the positioning of the variants is rather perplexing.

So as for how the MaXX stacks up in functionality and on-road application, it really is quite a good effort.

Where it does differ, apart from clear design cues (see below for more details), is dynamically it is a little sharper in the steering and handling, which is more slanted toward European sportiness.

The ride quality is a little jiggly at times but overall dynamics probably just shave what is expected of a modern SUV.

The powertrain of the 3.2-litre Alloytec V6 from Holden's global engine plant in Melbourne and the Japanese-built Aisin five-speed automotive is quite a strong collaboration.

There is none of this lack of response on kickdown as has been criticised by some testers on other variants. It is quite sharp and obedient in that respect.

Overall fuel consumption was a tick over 12litres/100km on this test - a bit of Sunday driving in the hinterland, breaking up predominantly freeway and slower city work through the week.

As a package, this five-seat MaXX was on the pace, stacked with equipment and adds all the electronic safety hoo-ha as well as Hill Descent Control.

This model, like all the others, has no reverse camera, which can be an issue with some buyers.

The leather-clad seats offer good side and lateral support and the dash and console is ergonomic and is pretty much straight out of the Astra and is easy to interpret and operate.

Underneath the rear floor area, a full-size spare is housed, which won a few extra brownie points from this tester.

Unlike the CX ($38,990) and LX which have three rows of seats standard, giving them seven-seat capacity, the MaXX comes off the showroom floor as a five-seater.

A bit of room is wasted in the rear with the intrusion of the rear wheel arches, although this is a sufficient enough package all-round for a one- or two-kid family seeking a little weekend escapism.

The MaXX is refreshingly refined and gives little hint as to its Korean origin with quality interior fittings.

When it comes to laying money on the table, personally, I'd swing toward the seven-seat LX for purely subjective reasons.

Pricing guides

$5,990
Based on 49 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$4,799
Highest Price
$10,000

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
CX (4X4) 2.0L, Diesel, 5 SP AUTO $5,060 – 7,370 2007 Holden Captiva 2007 CX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
SX (4X4) 3.2L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $4,510 – 6,710 2007 Holden Captiva 2007 SX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
Maxx (4x4) 3.2L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $4,400 – 6,490 2007 Holden Captiva 2007 Maxx (4x4) Pricing and Specs
LX (4X4) 2.0L, Diesel, 5 SP AUTO $5,830 – 8,140 2007 Holden Captiva 2007 LX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
Gordon Lomas
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$4,799

Lowest price, based on 41 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.