But it might have been...
But it might have been a different story had Petter Solberg’s new Subaru Impreza not suffered a freak engine failure. The Norwegian set a blistering pace on the opening stages, before a rock bounced up into the engine bay and punctured an oil cooler.
A new 150bhp 2.0-litre...
A new 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel is expected to be the most popular powerplant, although a 2.4-litre petrol unit will be available, too. Chevrolet is also planning to develop a 120bhp oil-burner, although bosses have decided against fitting it in the Captiva, instead earmarking it for the Lacetti hatch. A powerful range-topping 3.2 V6 Captiva won"t come to the UK, due to the low demand for thirsty off-roaders here.
Changes from the S3X concept have been kept to a minimum, with the show car"s oversized alloys and LED lights the only major omissions. The practical tailgate remains - it features an opening glass screen, allowing small items to be stowed without opening the boot.
The Captiva will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March, and makes its UK debut at the British Motor Show in the summer to coincide with the start of sales.
Range-topping models will boast electronically controlled four-wheel drive and ESP stability control, and are expected to be priced at around í‚á£24,000, with five-seater front- drive versions starting at í‚á£16,000. The Captiva will be the most expensive model in the Chevy line-up when it hits showrooms, and the option of seven seats should mean it provides stiff competition for the new Hyundai