Holden Captiva CX 2007 review

Once it gathers momentum the Captiva is smooth and tractable

With pricing this competitive it appears there is little choice; it's diesel or nothing.

That's how Holden have shaped its charges on the petrol versus diesel equation for the Captiva wagon.

The diesel joined the Captiva crowd only recently after the launch of petrol models in October last year.

There is a rather mild $1000 price premium to pay if you want diesel over petrol.

The Captiva diesel starts from $34,990 for the SX and rises to $39,990 for the CX with the LX topping the range at $42,990.

As driven on this test, the CX reconfirmed initial thoughts the Captiva is a totally competent and viable four-wheel-drive family wagon.

What's more is that, not including the extras such as on-roads and delivery charges, the Captiva proposes essentially an all-you-need-package for under $40,000.

Okay, there's still plenty on offer on the accessory and options fronts but much of the big ticket boxes are already ticked, stock standard.

And that psychological sub-$40k price is a moot point, particularly as you are getting room for seven, plenty of active safety devices, key equipment and the frugality of a modern common-rail diesel.

On this drive the 60-litre tank was good for about 650km which cannot really be described as great.

But it is considerably better than the petrol Captivas tested earlier this year that averaged close to 12 litres/100km.

The CX diesel is quite a capable wagon, possessing excellent mid-range torque for those towing jobs and passing opportunities on the highway.

Everything was clearly laid out in a functional cabin that contained good storage space for the multitude of bits and pieces that people carry in cars.

Getting away from a standstill means overcoming a pronounced delay before the turbine in the turbocharger spools-up but once it gathers momentum the Captiva is smooth and tractable.

The brakes are quite good, although at first you need reassurance as the pedal calibration is quite spongy.

So Holden's effort to stem the massive head-start Ford has enjoyed with the outstanding but more expensive Territory has been given more emphasis with the arrival of the oil-burning power plant.

Dimensionally the Holden versus the Ford is an interesting comparison.

The Ford is the best part of 200mm longer, is wider and has a significantly longer wheelbase than the Captiva.

But the Captiva has a decent 200mm of ground clearance compared with the Territory's 179mm and, at 1720mm (1700mm for the MaXX), is slightly taller than the Territory (1714mm).

Price is the overwhelming weapon. The Captiva loads a hell of a lot into a $39,990 price package.