Chevrolet Captiva
The Captiva is a new SUV that will compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda HRV. It was previewed by the SX3 concept shown at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.
This relatively conservative SUV design, like the Audi Q7, features a very car-like subtly contoured body side. Conforming to this trend of car-like surface and detail treatment in combination with the SUV proportions is central to the appeal of the Captiva. In conjunction with the optional third row of seats and competitive perceived quality levels inside, these ingredients will enable it to make a lot of conquest sales. The only detractions are the cheap looking carpets, interior silver painted areas, and BMW X3 style body mouldings that run front to rear via the wheel arches and rockers.
The one unusual element is the side indicator repeater that is sited on the door mirror in high specification models and behind the front wheel on low specification models where there was otherwise a false air outlet vent.
It may not be the most exciting highlight of the show, but this is a very rational and well executed commercial design.
