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2012 Holden Series II Captiva ready for the roads of Australia
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Posted: 08 Mar 2011 03:54 AM PST

Italian car designer – Bertone has teamed up with Jaguar to create this new concept car which is currently titled Jaguar B99 and is due to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva auto show.

The Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone is expected to hint at a future production vehicle that will compete with other luxury sedans such as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and the Lexus IS. This new Jaguar concept car is still in the early stages of development.

We will bring you more information on the Jaguar B99 concept car at a later date but for now check out the leaked image sin the gallery below.

Press Release

New Series II Holden Captiva makes a good thing even better

More performance punch, improved fuel economy, keen pricing

The introduction of new-look Series II Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 models have given Holden’s strong-selling SUV range even more widespread appeal.

High-performing new generation petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth six-speed transmissions and exceptionally competitive pricing are the big Captiva stories.

There’s more power on tap across the range, complemented by fuel efficiency gains on all models.

The seven-seat Captiva 7 range now offers three new powertrain options including a price-leading 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol variant, a 2.2 litre turbo diesel and the Commodore-proven performance benefits of Holden’s advanced, Australian-built 3.0-litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) V6.

Captiva 5 buyers get the choice of a turbo diesel powerplant for the first time while refinements to all Series II models deliver quieter cabins and improved ride and handling quality.

The makeover is accentuated by striking new design treatments and additional convenience features which include Bluetooth connectivity and wireless music streaming on all seven-seat models.

Captiva’s safety features have also been enhanced with the introduction of six airbags as standard on all models, an electric park brake and Hill Start Assist technology to prevent “roll-away” on inclines.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said updates to the Series II Captiva were intended to build on the strengths of an already successful model range in a growing market.

“The introduction of three powerful new generation engines, each providing a performance boost and fuel efficiency benefits will make compact and medium SUV buyers sit up and take notice,” Mr Devereux said.

“That’s on top of the fact that Captiva 5 and 7 continue to hit all the right notes in terms of good looks, high-ride comfort, safety features and flexibility.

“They’re more well-specified than ever and our pricing structure means they remain excellent value for money with each recommended retail price $2000 lower than the previous model.”

Performance and Fuel Economy

Three new Captiva engine choices – a 2.4 litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol with variable valve timing, 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and a 2.2 litre turbo diesel – each paired with six-speed transmissions, spearhead the Series II line-up.

The new powertrain combinations deliver fuel efficiency savings across the board while generating more performance punch than previous models.

The Captiva 7 range now includes a two-wheel-drive (2WD) model powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine. It delivers fuel economy of 9.1L/100km (ADR081/02) – the most fuel efficient petrol seven seater in its class, while producing 123kW of power and 230Nm of torque.

The new, perky 2.2 litre turbo diesel SX model, delivers fuel economy of 8.1L/100km, 135kW of power and 400Nm of torque – a 25 per cent increase on its predecessor.

All-wheel-drive (AWD) Captiva 7 CX and LX models offer a choice of the 2.2 litre turbo diesel or 3.0 litre SIDI V6 powerplants. The 3.0 litre V6 produces 190kW of power and delivers fuel economy of 11.3 L/100km.

Meanwhile buyers of the Holden Captiva 5 compact SUV may now choose between an AWD 2.2 litre turbo diesel model and a 2WD 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol model which offers 19 per cent more power than the engine it replaces.

Styling

The smart Series II Captiva 5 and 7 feature dynamic new front-end styling, dominated by bold facia treatments which delineate differences in character.

Captiva 7 sports a robustly assertive look with its new twin portal grill flanked by prominent fog lamps. Elongated prism style headlamps sweep back to wheel arches which now accommodate three wheel sizes -17-inch (SX), 18-inch (CX) and 19-inch (LX).

The bonnet surface is re-shaped and sculptured; turn signals are integrated into external mirrors; and a clear lens tail lamp design updates the rear end.

The more Euro-style compact Captiva 5 is set apart by a subtle new grille treatment with mesh detailing, echoed in the slim air intake below. Chrome-surround fog lamps make a stylish statement while tough five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels accentuate an athletic stance.

Interior

Featuring abundant space and a standard equipment list to match, all Series II Captiva 7 cabins include MP3 compatible CD players with auxiliary input, Bluetooth® for hands-free calling or music streaming, plus air conditioning, leather wrap steering wheel and cruise control.

The CX model ups the luxury factor even further with climate control, Sportec bolsters, driver information display and Rear Park Assist, while the range-topping LX adds leather appointed seat trim, Satellite Navigation, Rear View Camera, USB port and a 7-inch multifunction touch-screen.

Clever flush fold second and third row split seating, easily transforms the Captiva 7 from spacious seven-seat people mover to ample cargo carrier. Smart storage spaces are in abundance, including centre console and second row armrest compartments, front and rear cup holders, and front and rear door pockets.

The inclusion of the electric park brake also adds elegance to the interior by removing the bulky lever and creating space for a multi-purpose storage compartment.

The Captiva 5 cabin is also equipped with stylish features including a six-disc MP3 compatible CD player, semi-automatic climate control system, leather wrap steering wheel, front and rear park assist, cruise control, trip computer and driver information display as standard.

Safety and driving dynamics

Captiva’s impressive array of active and passive safety technology is augmented at Series II with the inclusion of side impact airbags as standard across the range, bringing the airbag total to six.

An Electronic Stability Control system incorporates anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and the active AWD system which determines requirements for optimum traction.

Series II also sees the introduction of Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology across the Captiva range. It holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 per cent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer drive away from standstill.

Captiva models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for navigating steep downhill gradients.

Front and rear park assist comes standard on Captiva 5 while Captiva 7 CX features rear park assist and Captiva 7 LX combines rear park assist with a standard rear-view camera.

Re-tuned chassis dynamics and improvements to steering feel contribute to a more refined ride quality and sharper handling feel. A hydraulic control feature automatically adjusts the suspension to maintain a level ride height on the Captiva 5 Diesel and all Captiva 7 models.

Colour Selection

Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 SX, CX and LX are available in a choice of nine exterior finishes including three new colours exclusive to the Series II range. They are:

Olympic White
Ironite
Desert Sand*
Carbon Flash
Thunder Grey
Moulan Rouge Red*
Nitrate
White Pearl*
Midnight Blue

*denotes new colour

1. Honda Civic GX

The Honda Civic GX is a compressed natural gas (CNG) powered version of the Civic and is only available in limited markets. National distribution is expected in 2012.

2. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf was one of the first electric vehicles from a major manufacturer, it has managed to win the European Car of the Year award and is in the running for World Car of the Year.

3. Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo made the list because of its 41 MPG highway fuel economy, environmentally friendly manufacturing and ease of recycling.

4. Toyota Prius

We knew the Toyota Prius would be on the list somewhere and here it is at number four.

5. Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid also manged to make the list making this the only 2011 model to win two places.

6. Honda Insight

The Honda Insight hasn't been receiving good reviews by journalists or by potential buyers, but it's green enough to make the midpoint of the ACEEE list and Honda must be extremely happy as it’s the third car of theirs to make the list.

7. Ford Fiesta SFE

The Fiesta SFE comes in just past halfway down the list and while it doesn’t have any hybrid technology the Super Fuel Economy Fiesta is very economical.

8. Chevy Cruze Eco

Chevy Cruze Eco

Like the Ford Fiesta SFE, only the super-fuel-efficient Cruze Eco makes the cut.

9. Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra makes the list due to its 40 MPG highway rating for all trim levels and transmission choices.

10. Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper being in the list surprised us, we thought the Mini one or Mini diesel would have been more economical but here its is sitting at number 10.

11. Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is hugely popular in Japan but doesn't have quite the same following in the States, still it managed to make the list.

12. Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Volt

Coming in last place is the pioneering all electric Chevrolet Volt, we thought this might have been further up the list but at least its here.

Well there you have it, the twelve greenest cars of 2011 chosen by the ACEEE. We the list may have had a few clean diesels or even the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Do you agree with the list? If not what cars do you think should have been included?