Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LPG (gas), road test (Part III)

Now that we have seen how the Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LPG gas version performs with its 136 CV engine and we have reviewed its interior space and design details, we still need to talk about its equipment, price and overall assessment of the model.

One of the advantages of the LPG Captiva is its price: the LPG Captiva in base LS trim is on sale from 21,400 euros, that is, 2,500 euros more expensive than the base Captiva in LS trim with the 2.4 petrol engine of 136 CV (which has a promotion). Without a doubt it is worth opting for the LPG range rather than buying the petrol version only, since the fuel saving is very significant and we can get a Captiva at a fairly tight price, and also depending on the autonomous community there are grants of up to 2,000 euros for being a gas-powered vehicle.

By comparison, the cheapest diesel version, the 2.0 VCDi 127 CV, called LS7, which has seven seats and somewhat more complete equipment, comes to 23,990 euros (promotion included). But this LS7 version is much more sensible in terms of equipment, adding elements such as stability control, front fog lights, cruise control, traction control and rollover control, among other features that the LPG Captiva does not have.

Equipment

In terms of safety the LPG Captiva comes quite well equipped with elements such as ABS brakes with EBD, front and front side airbags, and even curtain airbags. But it has important gaps such as stability control, traction control and rollover control. Even so, in the EuroNCAP test the Captiva has proved to be a fairly safe car and has achieved four stars; basically it scored lower in the frontal impact for not having a knee airbag, while in the side impact it obtained the maximum score.

Leaving aside safety equipment, the differences between the base LS version and the diesel LS7 version in the rest of areas are minimal. Both have a CD radio with MP3 that works very well, air conditioning, electric mirrors, electric windows, central locking, etc. Only the fog lights and the rear parking sensor are missing.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the LS trim does without the on-board computer screen, which shows the data of the single-zone air conditioner (dispensable since the air conditioning works very well), as well as the car’s consumption data, outside temperature, and even a compass. So it is a dispensable extra, and the glovebox that takes its place is very practical.

Overall assessment

This is perhaps the most important section of the whole test, because many of you will wonder whether it is worth buying a gas car or one with these equipment gaps. The first thing I have been seeing since I got the car in my hands is that it could have had a bit more equipment, that is, the same as the LS7 version, which includes important safety elements, leaving the LS only for the petrol engine.

In fact, our unit came with somewhat more complete equipment (remember it was an Italian version), close to the LS7 version, with safety elements such as traction control or stability control. But since in Spain it is only associated with the base trim level, we have to go to price as its point in favour.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira