First official look: Chevrolet reveals Captiva

IT is just five months away from its local launch as a Holden but General Motors brand Chevrolet has revealed full details and photos of its Captiva four-wheel drive ahead of a global debut at next month's Geneva motor show.

The newcomer will be one of the more crucial models to join the Holden line-up this year as it must go head-to-head with the best-selling Ford Territory.

As the photos show, the Chevrolet is remarkably close to the Daewoo S3X concept car and apart from badging and wheels, the Holden model is expected to look much the same.

GM will use the Captiva name in Europe and Asia but Holden has yet to confirm if it will follow that trend in Australia.

The Captiva will be available with five or seven-seater configurations and uses an "active-on-demand", four-wheel drive system. Some models will also be available with electronic stability program.

The new SUV is 4639mm long, 1849mm wide and 1726mm high and sits on a wheelbase of 2707mm.

Compared to its key rival, the Ford Territory, the Holden is 217mm shorter, 49mm narrower and has a 135mm shorter wheelbase. However, the off-roader is 12mm higher.

Unlike the Adventra, the Captiva will be available in front as well as four-wheel drive variants.

The 4x4 system uses an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction when needed.

The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins.

The ESP itself has additional functions like hydraulic brake assist, hill descent control and anti-rollover protection.

Initially, three transversally mounted engines will be available in Europe.

They include a state-of-the-art common-rail diesel engine jointly developed by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Company, GM Powertrain and VM Motori.

In its first application, the 16-valve unit offers 112kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 310Nm at 2000rpm.

The turbo-diesel provides a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1L/100km and is the first application of a family of diesel powertrains that will become available in other Chevrolet products in Europe throughout the year.

The base petrol engine is a 2.4-litre in-line DOHC four-cylinder, delivering 106kW at 5200rpm and 220Nm at 4000rpm. The average fuel consumption of the 2.4 is 10.8L/100km.

The top-of-the line, Holden-sourced Alloytec 3.2-litre V6 engine produces 168kW at 6000rpm and 302Nm at 3500rpm.

Suspension layout consists of a MacPherson strut configuration in front and an independent four-link system at the rear. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard.

In Europe, the four-cylinder versions come standard with 215/70 R16 tyres on 6.5J x 16-inch wheels, while the V6 rolls on 235/60 R17 tyres on 7.0J x 17-inch wheels.