Automatic Captiva to drive in


General Motors India is gearing up to launch the Captiva SUV with an automatic transmission. The Captiva has been well received, and presently is the only diesel soft-roader in its class.

Last month, the Captiva managed to sell nearly 200 units, second only to the Honda CR-V. However, the lack of an automatic transmission option has turned away some customers, and it is these potential buyers that GM is targetting. The car was initially launched only with manual transmission and front-wheel drive, but the automatic version comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The auto ’box has five forward ratios, and is geared to provide similar levels of performance and fuel economy.

One such car is currently undergoing homologation in India. An important factor will be cost; the auto ’box and the four-wheel- drive system will add to the cost of the car, and the company will be keeping a keen eye on this.

As yet though there is no clear indication of when the car is expected in the market.

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