The Captivating 7 Seater SUV

Regardless of whether you are looking for the best small car or a 7 seater 4x4, the truth is, regardless of how much money you have to spend, you are still looking to find a bargain. Chevrolet has now released a vehicle which will certainly appeal to those looking at the latter of those two markets: the stunning new 2011 Chevrolet Captiva.

The 2011 Captiva is the latest incarnation of the 7 seater SUV from the company that created the first ever sports utility vehicle. Back in the 1930s, Chevrolet produced the Suburban, a name which still has a romantic resonance amongst many American motorists and which – in its modern version - is still a popular vehicle on the highways and byways of the United States to this very day.

For those seeking one of the best car deals for a sports utility vehicle, the Captiva is an outstanding choice and a strong addition to the classic range of Chevrolet vehicles. The company offer a range of cars suited to everybody and every budget, from the outstanding small car, the Spark, right up to the flexible and dynamic Orlando, arguably one of the best family seven seat car available on the market at present.

It is the recently released 2011 Captiva, however that has drawn many plaudits of late and it is not difficult to see why.

The new version of the vehicle offers many upgrades and improvements over its already illustrious predecessor. As Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe, explained; “Captiva owners have already enjoyed plenty of choice, with a five or seven seat car and all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

"The 2011 Captiva offers new engines mates with a new six-speed transmission, with two variants of our 2.2-litre turbo-diesel."

"The Captiva has brought many people to the Chevrolet brand for the first time,” Brannon continued, “with the design, quality and sheer versatility being mentioned as particular highlights by owners."

Since its introduction in 2006, the Captiva has sold an estimated 120,000 units, with strong sales recorded in the important European markets of Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France and the UK. Furthermore, the SUV market across these countries remains strong, currently holding a nine per cent share of the new car market.

The design of the car has met particular praise from car critics who have noted that the exterior of the vehicle is particularly appealing. The re-shaped and cleverly designed bonnet, with a large grille sitting underneath compliments the new style headlamps and gives the car a stylish and powerful look.

The look of the vehicle played an important part in its production as GM Vice President of Design, Taewan Kim, explained; “the key ingredient of the new design that you see with the Captiva is confidence. The changes we made to the front profile give the Captiva an even more athletic stance and strong overall character.”

“Captiva has a presence but without looking overly big; it looks capable but also compact,” he said.

The 2011 Captiva also comes in a choice of two new engines and it is here where the most startling changes in the vehicle have taken place. The new engines mean that the Captiva is a truly powerful compact which also boasts emissions ratings below key thresholds and good fuel economy.

With seating for seven people, a luxurious interior, many standard features that would come as expensive extras on other cars, the Captiva is clearly a huge step forward for Chevrolet and for those motorists in the market for a classy, powerful, sleek and stylish SUV at an outstanding price.