On the market that is overflowed with compact crossover, cheap alternatives are always welcome. Therefore, many believe that the 2019 Chevy Captiva might come back after all, at least in some parts of the world. The reason to believe is such a scenario is the fact that the Captiva already came back. No matter how strange the previous sentence sounds, it is actually true. For those who are more familiar with GM, a fact that the American manufacturer starter a joint venture with the Chinese company called Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co Ltd stale. A completely new brand was born from this cooperation.
It is known as Baojun and there are already a couple of models under this badge. One of them is the Baojun 530, which on the Colombian market comes with Chevy’s badge and with a familiar nameplate, Captiva. Therefore, this news about the 2019 Chevy Captiva comeback sounds pretty likely. Of course, we are still waiting for the official confirmation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate about it. It looks like there are two possible scenarios. The new crossover will either come as a rebadged version of the Baojun 530, or we are about to see a new, Equinox-based SUV.
2019 Chevy Captiva Redesign
The original Captiva was the first GM model to ride on, at that time new, Theta platform. It was developed by Daewoo, today’s Korean department of General Motors. If we can trust the latest reports, the second generation won’t come from Korea, but from China. As we already mentioned, GM and Liuzhou Wuling Motors have developed a small crossover Baojun 530. This is a modern crossover, which comes with lots of new technologies and very modern, even futuristic styling.
Currently, you can find it in China, Indonesia and several more large, but developing markets. Therefore, many believe that the Captiva would have a much better success on some more traditional markets, that are already familiar with this nameplate. Of course, we wouldn’t see too many changes compared to the Baoju 530. It would be the same relationship as we can see with the Colombian’s exclusive Captiva. Still, many markets would receive a version with more standard equipment, which will make this crossover more upscale.
2019 Chevy Captiva Might Be Based on the Equinox
The initial plan was to discontinue Captiva in favor of Equinox. The latter one is arguably a better crossover with more modern design and lot more potentials. Therefore, the company wanted to spread this model globally, including markets that were traditionally held by Captiva. Still, a familiar name sometimes plays an even more important role than the quality, so GM allegedly wants to bring back the familiar nameplate, but with a completely new design. Of course, the Equinox would serve as the basics. Some reports even suggest a rebadged version, though we are closer to the possibility to see a new model based on the new D2 platform, with familiar mechanics, but with a little bit different aesthetics. Also, the new model would probably be a little bit smaller, at least in its base version. We won’t exclude long-wheelbase three-row version at this point.
2019 Chevy Captiva Engines
When it comes to engines, it depends on the scenario GM chooses for the new model. If we are about to see a model that is in a close relationship with the Baojun 530, there is no reason why we shouldn’t see the same engine in the offer as well. If you are not familiar with this crossover, there are two gasoline engines in the offer. One of them is a 1.8-liter unit that delivers around 135 horsepower. This is an older-generation engine, that ensures affordable starting price, so it’s no wonder it comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The other one is a newer, 1.5-liter unit, which is good for about 150 horses. It is far more efficient and also comes with newer, 6-speed transmission. A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.
On the other side, if the 2019 Chevy Captiva is going to ride on D2 architecture, expect to see same engines in the offer that are available in the Equinox. This includes both gasoline and diesel units, far more efficient and more powerful. Base models would feature a 1.5-liter engine with around 170 horsepower. The optional 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower should be in the offer as well. When it comes to a diesel engine, there is a familiar 1.6-liter unit that delivers around 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
2019 Chevy Captiva Release Date and Price
Keep in mind that the new 2019 Chevy Captiva is just a rumor at the moment. Although we can find various reports about its comeback, there are still no words from the company’s officials. All in all, it seems useless to speculate about both price and launch date at this point.
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