Testing the Captiva XL: Fuel Efficiency and Performance in Lima City Traffic

by time news

2024-07-21 18:52:27

Our test was developed mainly in heavy traffic situations in the city of Lima. Likewise, the vehicle, which has a maximum weight of 140 kg, was occupied by one or two people, and on one occasion we drove it with five passengers on board. In addition, it was always used with at least the air conditioning and we almost always drove it in Normal driving mode.

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We drive the Prime CVT 2WD version (top of the range) which, while best equipped, is also the heaviest. It has a curb weight of 1,589 kg, while its entry-level LTZ MT variant weighs 1,490 kg. That is, it weighs 99 kg more. In fact, this top version has an average weight compared to other SUVs in the segment such as the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson. Beyond that detail, it must also be taken into account that the net weight does not mean a full tank, which in this case is 52 liters (13.7 gallons) of Premium or 96 octane gasoline.

Before testing the vehicle was expected to get 415 kilometers, as this is the range we saw on the instrument panel during our first encounter. With regard to that information, it must be taken into account that the vehicle’s computer or control unit will initiate autonomous driving in accordance with the last driving style, road conditions, use of air conditioning, weather, among others.

The worst recorded consumption was 11.6 L/100 km or 34 km/gallon. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

In our case, we drove it with the intention of maximizing autonomy and getting the best fuel consumption, therefore, we have driven in a relaxed way without the need to completely renew this engine. Buying a low displacement vehicle is not mechanically correct and I want to drive like a racing driver.

With this type of driving, with two people on board and driving simultaneously in traffic situations, our best consumption was 7.6 L/100 km or 54 km/g, and our worst consumption in same, but with five people on board. It was 11.6 L/100 km or 34.5 km/g. When it comes to independence, we’ve got you covered 380 km in the cityleaving a margin of slightly less than 40 km to refuel.

Testing the Captiva XL: Fuel Efficiency and Performance in Lima City Traffic

Our best consumption was 7.6 L/100 km or 54 km/gallon. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

With this result, the performance of the Captiva XL is within the average performance of its competitors (400 km), but it must be considered that the aforementioned competitors have a fuel tank of almost a gallon more. Precisely, it is a point of improvement that the Captiva XL increases the volume of its tank capacity to 55 or 57 liters.

Now, taking into account our best consumption in the city (54 km/g) and keeping a constant speed, we could drive around 700 km on the roadwhich is a good figure considering the dimensions of the vehicle.

About the engine

Engine displacement is very important and even more so in a segment where future owners analyze this data. In this case, it uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 148 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 nm of torque between 1,600 and 3,600 rpm, associated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The 1.5 liter turbo engine uses a timing belt.  (Photo: Fernando Roca)

The 1.5 liter turbo engine uses a timing belt. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

Driving it, the first thing we notice when you step on the accelerator is the better response of the startup, but with some turbulence below 2,000 rpm. When we reach medium speeds, we see progressive acceleration in Normal driving mode and a little more agility in Sport mode. At high speeds (100 km/h), the overworking of the engine is greater and this is felt because the sound of its operation is louder.

Measuring 1.72 cm, we fit snugly into the third row of seats, which is why we considered it functional for people or children up to 1.60 cm tall.  (Photo: Fernando Roca)

Measuring 1.72 cm, we fit snugly into the third row of seats, which is why we considered it functional for people or children up to 1.60 cm tall. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

The perspective of mechanics

The steering is electronically assisted, resulting in smooth steering. It has disc brakes on all four wheels, which feel soft during the first seconds of braking, but then it feels more resistant.

The front suspension is an independent McPherson type and the rear suspension is a torsion axle type. This set provides a smooth ride in the city, but at highway speeds it feels a little stiff. At the same time, we consider it a good screening of what happens below us and the faults within the city.

It has a high resolution 360° camera.  (Photo: Fernando Roca)

It has a high resolution 360° camera. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

The handling in the city is good, since it does not have very exaggerated dimensions and its 360 ° camera system will help us to be careful not to carry its body in very tight areas. The height allows you to clearly see what is happening in heavy traffic, and the large windows are grateful for it, although the visibility towards the back is not the best, but we have a rear camera with guide lines and sensors.

Equipment and price

As mentioned at the beginning, this is an update for the Captiva. In that sense, the changes he had were mainly on his equipment. For example, it now includes a 10.4″ vertical screen, a 7″ LED cluster, seats with perforated eco-leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 18″ two-tone Prime alloy wheels, LED headlights, six airbags, handbrake handbrake, stability control and traction control.

The interior offers a modern cabin with plenty of space for the front seats and second row seats.  (Photo: Fernando Roca)

The interior offers a modern cabin with plenty of space for the front seats and second row seats. (Photo: Fernando Roca)

/ Fernando Roca

Finally, this Prime CVT version is available in the Peruvian market from US$27,990, while the entry version is available from US$22,990.

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