Captivating, hopefully

Motoring fans can compare the two SUVs at the Brisbane International Motor Show from this weekend.

On the Holden stand will be the S3X concept vehicle. It is almost identical to the Korean-made production Captiva which made its global debut under its new name at the Geneva Motor Show yesterday.

The Captiva will be powered by the new 3.2-litre Global V6 all-alloy engine made in Port Melbourne, and come with five or seven seats, electronic stability program (ESP) and an active all-wheel-drive system.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney said Captiva would be in Holden showrooms in the second half of the year with price and specification details released closer to launch.

"The production car remains very close to the S3X concept which has impressed motorshow crowds in Australia in the past few months," Mooney said.

"The extensive Australian input in Captiva covers the outside, inside and underneath to ensure it looks, feels and drives as a Holden should."

Former GM Holden-based designer Mike Simcoe, who was responsible for the resurrected Monaro, and Max Wolff were involved in the Captiva design team.

"This vehicle has been a missing link in our product lineup and we believe there is strong appetite for its arrival," Mooney said.

Captiva is 4.635m long, 1.850m wide and 1.720m high, offering seating for five or an optional third row to fit seven people as does the Territory.

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 with electronic stability program and ABS.

Ford will display its new 245kW and 480Nm turbocharged Territory with ominous bonnet scoop at the motor show.

It features FPV style grille, twin exhausts, new alloy wheels, saddle-stitched leather seats and a sport steering wheel.

When it is released in July it will come in two trims — Turbo and Turbo Ghia — both with the new ZF six-speed transmission. The Ghia will include power seats and a reverse camera.

Gorman said no prices were available yet, but they wanted to be "competitive".

He said the Territory would bring in "additional customers".

He also admitted Ford was "still looking at diesel" for the Territory.