Chevrolet has announced plans for a complete overhaul of its Captiva SUV in 2011. The new Captiva will feature a restyled exterior, upgraded interior, modified chassis and four new choices of engine.

Aiming for a fresh and more aggressive look, the new Captiva will feature a sharply sculptured hood, larger radiator grill bearing the trademark ‘bow-tie’ badge in the middle, and cylindrical prism-style headlamps. The reworked wheel arches will now be able to accommodate wheel sizes between 17 and 19 inches which contribute to a “stronger, more athletic stance.”

The new engine line-up is comprised of two petrol variants, a 2.4 litre and 3.0 litre, and two diesels both of 2.2 litre displacement. The 2.4 litre petrol will be the first Captiva engine to feature variable valve timing and will deliver a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds due to a 167 hp output. Fuel consumption for this engine will be 8.9 l/100km while the more powerful 3.0 engine will use 10.7 l/100km. This engine will be the first Captiva to feature direct injection however, and will deliver a faster 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds thanks to its 288 Nm of torque. The diesel engines will both offer the same economy figure of 6.4 l/100km but are available with either 163 or 184 hp.

Chevrolet say the Captiva’s chassis has been tuned to “further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel”. Standard safety features will be Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Braking Assist System (BAS) and six airbags as well as a Hill Start Assist feature for convenience.

Interior upgrades aboard the new Captiva are a total storage volume of up to 1,577 litres, satin chrome rings, ice-blue black lighting, a seven-inch navigation systemand an integrated rear view camera.

Speaking about the appeal of the Captiva’s modern versatility, Chevrolet Europe's president and managing director Wayne Brannon said “The new model is very much a car of the times, designed for families and their everyday requirements yes, but also for those looking to go out and have some adventures. That's what an SUV like the Captiva is all about, it makes a statement and for many it's an extension of their lifestyle. The new Captiva also personifies what the Chevrolet brand is all about in that it transcends social status or profession and will, we think, appeal to people from all walks of life."

The Captiva will retain the choice of a five or seven seat layout as well as front or all-wheel drive. Chevrolet plan to release the new model into European markets in spring.