SUVs, which were considered to be just something for tour purposes have now developed into powerful vehicles carrying so many amenities blended with luxurious arrangements. The SUVs now days represent the bold nature of the owner so the choice of SUV has a lot of value. CR-V is been treated as a benchmark in this segment as everything inside this box is placed right which creates the correct ambiance for perfect luxury. The other SUVs have mostly emerged after the Honda CR-V and are still trying hard to find their way to go ahead of the CR-V. Ford Endeavor, Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe are few that are giving a tough competition to Honda. Chevrolet Captiva is one that also holds prestige in the SUV segment and stands near to CR-V. Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva are among the leaders in the SUV market where Honda CR-V is the older one.
The third generation Honda CR-V set the ball rolling in the Rs 20 lakh segment in India. No market research could have predicted the Honda CR-V’s overwhelming success; forgotten was the lofty price tag and single digit fuel efficiency (petrol too!), when would-be buyers experienced its immense comfort and car-like dynamics.
The CRV’s success paved the way for the Chevrolet Captiva. Sold in Australia as a Holden and designed at Daewoo in Korea, the Chevy badged SUV has got a diesel option which the CR-V lacked (and the market has been crying out for). Unlike the CR-V the Captiva makes do with only front-wheel-drive to translate into not only good fuel efficiency but save on cost as well.- OVERDRIVE
Below is the comparison in terms of major aspect of both the big wheelies. If you too have your opinion, please feel free to mention it in the comments section.
LOOKS Honda CR-V
Looks of the new 2011 Honda CR-V is absolutely modern. Moreover it looks good in most colours. The paint quality is excellent and the finish is brilliant. The vehicle oozes in luxury. The new CR-V has borrowed a lot from the earlier ones. Of course the tall-set tail lamp cluster has undergone a slight change. The brilliance and size of the CR-V comes out better in the premium pearl white colour well complimented with matt black plastic parts.
Captiva
The Captiva looks awesome in any colour. The car is attractive and gives an impression. Some parts of the Captiva have similarities with the BMW X5 and X3. Of course there are original parts too like the indented bonnet. The edges have been lifted off to blend with the wings.
Score
To put it simply the Honda CR-V looks luxurious whereas the Chevy’s Captiva looks rugged. Therefore the CR-V slightly scores over the Captiva in the looks department.
ENGINE Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V has a 2.4-litre engine that develops 141.5 bhp. The engine performs impeccably. The front wheel drive car does not have automatic transmission but its six-speed manual transmission is just great. Gear shifting is effortless. On highways the car returns excellent fuel economy provided it is on sixth gear cruise mode. Captiva has a VCDi 16-valve diesel engine that develops almost 150 bhp at 4000 rpm. It has an impressive torque at 32 kgm (2000 rpm). CR-V has a torque of 19 kgm at 4200 rpm.
For city driving particularly in traffic, CR-V is better suited. It is easy to drive and power remains always handy. At high speeds, CR-V behaves like a car and therefore an automatic transmission would have been a great option. Engine refinement is absolutely superb. Honda is known for its refined engines.
Captiva
The clutch of Captiva softens only after some time and even if it has turbo you cannot get much power if the rpm is below 1500. However once the vehicle crosses the 1500 mark it is breeze. Chevrolet Captiva offers seamless Power delivery and is a great vehicle to cruise on highways.
Performance
Since the CR-V is petrol powered, it is quicker than the Captiva. However, while accelerating from 0-60 the Captiva takes 5.91 seconds and the CR-V 6.05 seconds. The CR-V with i-VTEC engine sprinted to 100 kph a second faster than the Captiva. The top speed speeds of both the cars touch around 170 kph.
Score
The CR-V has got a more refined engine but the Captiva’s engine is also equally good and offers a decent fuel economy. However since diesel is cheaper than petrol hence the Captiva is favoured more.
INTERIORS & EXTERIORS
Honda CR-V Interior
2011 Honda CR-V has high quality interior stuff like switchgear, lights, plastic surfaces, leather seats, electric motors for the eight-way adjustable leather seats, dual climate air conditioner and the console mounted gear shifter. The front seats are very comfortable but the rear one’s backrest is not comfy because of being upright. However legroom is sufficient and you can get more by sliding the seats back.
Chevrolet Captiva Interior
Chevy’s Captiva with loads of plastic stuff does not match the interior of the CR-V. The interior instrumentation is more on gimmick. The storage bin in the middle of the central console is useful but looks odd. To put it simply the interior goes with the rugged exterior.
Score
Chevrolet Captiva has loads of space for people as well as other things including pets. If it is finesse that stirs you then go for the CR-V.
CONCLUSION
Both the cars cost around Rs 20 lakh. The CR-V looks like an SUV but offers the comforts of a sedan. If you want the economy of diesel, extra space and all-road capability then the Captiva can be a good buy.
The new CX5 from Japanese carmaker, Mazda, promises to bring high levels of performance to the SUV crossover type sector. It combines the rugged body-shell of a regular SUV, while shrinking the package down to a footprint not much bigger than that of a typical family car. This means that buyers of the new Mazda CX5 will be able to enjoy the more powerful performance and flexibility of an SUV, without having to abandon the convenience of being able to comfortably navigate the tight corners and traffic of a busy urban location. For people who may be put off from buying any kind of SUV, due to the increased size and running costs of such vehicles, the new CX5 may be just the car they have been looking for. This model is available from spring 2012 and can be bought from dealers all over the world, including the UK.
For anyone interested in taking a look at the new Mazda CX5 Devon dealership, Vospers Mazda, is the place to go. This well-known and highly respected company sells the full range of current Mazda vehicles, as well as offering a great selection of used cars. Vospers is fully Mazda approved, which means it is authorised to provide full servicing facilities as directed by the Japanese manufacturer, helping customers to get a more complete after care package, once they have purchased their new car. The dealership is able to offer great deals on the new Mazda CX5 Devon SUV buyers have been waiting for. Vospers also have showrooms in other areas of the Southwest, such as Cornwall, which is served by the Truro depot.
Pickup trucks, vans, and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are all categorized as light trucks or light commercial vehicles. Until World War II, light commercial vehicles have only been used for industrial and commercial purposes. It was only after the Second World War that such vehicles were manufactured for civilian or recreational purposes. These vehicles have transformed dramatically in the last decade or so.
Pickup trucks and SUVs are built on the same chassis, resulting in a roughly similar composition. Pickup trucks are essentially small, compact versions of heavier trucks and were originally used for agricultural purposes. When industrial pickups were deemed too old to “work,” many have instead used them for personal purposes. Automobile companies then manufactured new pickups meant for personal use.
The SUV is the perfect car that can handle any road conditions from slippery to off-road terrain. It offers great fuel economy and engine power like sedans. Some SUV models are like pickup trucks for they provide additional space and towing capacity. The SUVs are great as family vans because they can seat seven to eight people. Driving an SUV is like driving a sedan, van, and pickup rolled into one.
Models from Maruti Suzuki need no introduction. This car manufacture is counted as India’s largest carmaker and well appreciated in every segment from small to SUV’s. A maruti isn’t just all about economy and utility. It is putting best efforts to make their products trendy and stylish. Affordable cost without sacrificing with performance or any features, the car is standing in the Indian automobile market. Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the unique products from Suzuki and promise great quality performance. This model was introduced in May 2005 and has been a huge hit in India.
This compacted vehicle was an effort by Maruti to integrate fresh design and concepts into their models. This automobile comes with eye-catching specifications; it is a satisfaction to watch. Located in the category of B-segment cars, Swift is valued for quality of power, response and fuel effectiveness. Some outstanding specification of the vehicle are Dynamic European styling, Rally based suspension system, All-Aluminium hypertech engine and Automatic climate control.
Models from Maruti Suzuki need no introduction. This car manufacture is counted as India’s largest carmaker and well appreciated in every segment from small to SUV’s. A maruti isn’t just all about economy and utility. It is putting best efforts to make their products trendy and stylish. Affordable cost without sacrificing with performance or any features, the car is standing in the Indian automobile market. Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the unique products from Suzuki and promise great quality performance. This model was introduced in May 2005 and has been a huge hit in India.
This compacted vehicle was an effort by Maruti to integrate fresh design and concepts into their models. This automobile comes with eye-catching specifications; it is a satisfaction to watch. Located in the category of B-segment cars, Swift is valued for quality of power, response and fuel effectiveness. Some outstanding specification of the vehicle are Dynamic European styling, Rally based suspension system, All-Aluminium hypertech engine and Automatic climate control.
Small cars are India’s hot favorite. They offer low ownership costs, excellent fuel efficiency and affordable maintenance too. However, if you love to explore highways and moving out to inaccessible exotic places, they won’t help. You need tougher and cozier vehicles and Mahindra Scorpio is a perfect bet! It’s just not any powerful SUV, it is luxury with power on SUV.
Lineage
Mahindra being the leader in the SUV segment is now looking to foray into the small car and entry level segment. In this direction the company is ready to launch a new mini SUV called the Mahindra Mini Xylo. The car will be available in the diesel variant. The car will look to create a distinct place for itself in the market and is expected to be a new trend setter. The Mahindra mini Xylo will be a volume seller for the company and is all set to carry forward the fervor left by the recently launched Mahindra XUV500.
The new Mahindra Mini Xylo is also expected to be adorned with a host of advanced features. The Mahindra Mini Xylo will be equipped with features like 1498 CC, 3 valves and will be available in the diesel. The car will also have power steering and easily take in five people and will also have five speed manual gear transmission. The car though will not host some high end and comfort features like Headlamp Washer, Xenon Headlamps, and ORVM Indicator. However it will have parts like Trip Meter, Tachometer, and Body Color Bumpers.
Most manufacturers hoping to strike gold with the new car-SUV hybrid and she couldn’t see herself driving a minivan. So Dr. Melissa Sundermann ended up with a type of vehicle that most automakers are banking on for sales growth: a crossover. Built on car underpinnings but having many attributes of SUVs, crossover utility vehicles have seen explosive growth since Toyota Motor Corp. started the category with the RAV4 back in 1995. In 1996, the RAV4′s first full year on sale, Toyota told 56,709 of the small crossovers when it had the market to itself, according to data collected by Ward’s Automotive Group. But sales rose quickly as other automakers saw the growth potential, topping 2.4 million last year with more than 50 models for sale.
CARS WERE TOO SMALL, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TOO INEFFICIENT
GMC Yukon was introduced for the first time in 1992 as a full-size SUV. From time to time changes were made in the SUV in response to the changes in the customers’ tastes and their requirements. In the beginning it was a two-door SUV which could seat up to six passengers while later it became a four-door SUV which could seat up to nine passengers. The choice of two-wheel driven and four-wheel driven versions was also on offer. Yukon Denali is an upscale version of the vehicle which has a number of amenities. The SUV is spacious and comfortable for passengers and at the same time provides ample space for cargo. It has good acceleration and gives a quiet and smooth ride. It is suitable for towing purposes and has off-road capability. Its inside is attractive where quality materials have been used. It has been praised generally as it combines utility with comfort and is one of the best in its class.
Yukon has undergone several changes. To keep with the changing times and your tastes you can make further changes of your own by installing Denali body kits. It need not be a change for just change’s sake as it can even customize your vehicle. That is what most of the customers want. They want their vehicle to stand out and not be lost amongst so many other vehicles. Body kits are amply suitable for this purpose as they are very visible and are marketed in a number of designs and styles. Moreover they do not cost much and installing them is not difficult. Their demand has given rise to a sizable aftermarket body kits manufacturing industry.