For those who need a fleet-oriented compact crossover to transport just plain folks (or just plain cargo) and for whom a blacked-out Tahoe is just a tad over the top, Chevrolet offers its 2015 Captiva Sport. Alhough it’s designed for fleet use, i.e. bulk sales, this downsized people hauler offers a slew of standard creature comforts and appearance bling that’ll have not only the rental-car customer but the boss and even the hired help, i.e. everyone who gets to drive it, wondering if they’ve died and gone to crossover heaven.
In 2014, this 5-seat little-big ute boasted some 56.4 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seatbacks folded), as well as some added toting area via the standard fold-flat front passenger seat. Before you start counting any cargo-destined chickens, though, be advised that the internationally marketed Captiva Sport is among a bunch of GM vehicles, including its lookalike Opel Antara cousin, that are slated to roll on the new and smaller D2 platform, as opposed to the current (and almost midsize) Theta platform. Though there’s no official word yet on when this is happening, mid-2015 has been mentioned. In any case this shrinkage in frame foretells a truly compact Captiva Sport, most probably with some downsizing of cargo capacity as a result. With this scheduled size decrease, anticipation is rampant that the 2015 Captiva Sport, which looks a little like a pint-size Equinox and has its beginnings in a Saturn design that never made it off the drawing board, will get a refresh for the 2015 model year. So far, however, few details are available, though at least one reviewer expects a new engine to go along with the expected shrunken profile.
In any case, for the moment rental agencies, taxi and limo services, courier drivers and delivery drones can look forward to this mule returning in 4 trims, the base 1LS, the up-featured 2LS, the midlevel LT and the flagship LTZ. Also slated to return is the standard front-wheel drivetrain (FWD), with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) once again scheduled as an option for all trims, definitely a plus in northern climes.
Although the whispers of a possible re-powering of the 2015 Captiva Sport lineup continue to swirl, potential owners can, for the moment, expect at least the adequate, if not neck-snapping 2.4-liter Flex Fuel inline 4-cylinder powerplant to return as the sole engine choice. Mated with the traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, this okay-but-not-great 4-banger should again put out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Mileage numbers also should remain 20 mpg city/28 highway in standard FWD editions and a distinctly tepid 16/22 in AWD versions. Towing, meantime, is expected to be maxed out at 1,500 pounds with the optional tow hitch and wiring installed.
Until hints of a redesign are confirmed, look for this fleet-designated crossover to offer, in the base 1LS variant, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, a roof rack and skid plates outside, with cloth upholstery, the aforementioned fold-flat front passenger seat, full power accessories and carpeted floor mats adorning the interior. Surprisingly, this work wonk also comes with standard cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering, along with such union-busting perks as air conditioning, OnStar Directions and Connections, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. A single-CD player boasting 6 speakers, satellite radio and a USB port should also remain aboard for this upcoming year.
Moving up to the 2LS gains you a standard power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated power exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while the LT adds standard upgrades to the 17-inch wheels, as well as extra cargo management tools and improved accent materials outside and inside.
Look for the top-shelf 2015 Captiva Sport LTZ, meantime, to again flaunt standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, rear parking sensors and a remote garage door opener. Additionally, a 10-speaker premium audio system entertains driver and passengers as they sit comfortably among upgraded leather cabin accents.
The 2LS and LT can be had with everything in and on the LTZ (except the 18-inch wheels) as optional equipment, while an available roof rack also remains optional. Additionally, it’s expected that GM’s MyLink audio and infotainment upgrade, with a 7-inch touchscreen display and GPS-based navigation, will once again be available to higher trims.
Safety-wise, look for the 2015 Captiva Sport to boast standard 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Daytime running lights are also expected back, along with OnStar emergency services, including stolen vehicle tracking assistance, and GM’s PASS-Key III anti-theft system. Finally, look for the 2LS and higher trims to flaunt standard front fog/driving lights, while the LTZ will doubtless boast standard rain-sensing wipers that’ll again be offered as an option to the LT.
