Business Standard Motoring Import Car of the year 2009
Here is a car that has finally put the brakes on the fantastic run that the invincible Honda CR-V has had for so long. Mainly because the Chevrolet Captiva chooses to sip the oily stuff. But that, ofcourse, is not the only reason why the Captiva is our Import Car Of The Year 2009 ---- after all, it had competition from the fabulous Audi R8 and TT and the cheeky Flat 500 in this category. The Captiva won it for several reasons. It looks good from every angle, has neatly designed and thoughtful interiors and is well-built too. The 2000cc turbodiesel engine is a strong, torquey motor that does a great job of powering the SUV. Besides all these, the Captiva is competitively priced despite being imported. No wonder, it wins hands down in this segment this year.
Best SUV
THE KING IN this category wins the award hands down. First of all, it has a punchy diesel engine. Secondly, it's large and spacious. And most importantly, it's got the right pricetag. Chevrolet has put together a winning package in the Captiva to emerge as the best SUV of 2009.
UV of the year
GENERAL Motors did the smart thing by launching the Captiva in India. You see, the closest diesel SUV, price-wise, to the butch Captiva is a fair distance away. The strong engine powers an impressive looking, generously sized SUV that seats seven easily, offers the gamut of incabin features and goes about town with an effortless, plush feel that is just right for our urbana. The packaging is smart and the choice of only two-wheel drive reinforces the role of the Captiva. It is meant to be a slick SUV for urban India, and in that role, it's nigh-on perfect.
