Holden Updates Captiva 5 SUV in Australia with Series II Model

General Motor's Holden division has the unique distinction of having two Captiva models in its range: the Captiva 7, which is none other than the European market Chevrolet Captiva, and the Captiva 5, that's a re-badged Opel Antara. Given Opel's confirmed descent to the land of Down Under in 2012, there's a very strong possibility that Holden may be forced to drop the Captiva 5 from its Australian lineup at some point.

But until a decision is made, Holden will keep the Captiva 5 going with a modest refresh, incorporating the same changes found on its 2011MY Opel Antara twin. The Captiva 5 Series II is distinguished on the outside by the new grille treatment with mesh detailing and the fresh alloy wheel designs, while interior changes include a single-touch electric park brake.

The new Series II model gains a new generation 2.2 litre four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 135kW (181HP) and 400Nm of peak torque, teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission for a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100km.

There’s also an updated 2.4 litre four-cylinder powerplant with 123 kW (165HP) and 230 Nm, which is 19 per cent more powerful than its predecessor. It returns an average fuel economy of 9.1 liters/100km.

The new turbo diesel model is equipped with an electronically controlled active all-wheel drive (AWD) system, while the 2.4 litre gasoline-powered version offers buyers two-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

Holden added that the Series II Captiva also benefits from a smoother, quieter ride and improved handling characteristics.

Opel Releases More Info and Photos of 2011 Antara Facelift

We've already laid eyes on Opel's and sister company Vauxhall's rehashed Antara, but the automaker just came out with a fresh batch of photos as well as some additional information on the compact SUV, including performance and fuel economy stats for the revamped engine lineup.

The cosmetic changes are pretty much limited to the front fascia and rear lights on the outside and a revised center console plus new graphics for the instruments, and updated trim and upholstery, options inside.

For 2011, the Antara's engine line-up consists of two new 2.2-liter CDTI diesels with 163HP and 184HP, and a new 2.4-liter ECOTEC gasoline variant with 167HP.

The 163HP entry level diesel unit is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. The FWD model with a manual gearbox returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 lt/100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 167 g/km, and zero to 100km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 km/h (117 mph).

The top-of-the-line 184HP diesel comes standard with all-wheel drive, and is available with both transmission choices. It completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds, has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and returns 6.6 lt/100 km (35.7 mpg US or 42.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.

Finally, the 2.4-liter gasoline engine is available with front-wheel drive and manual transmission or all-wheel drive coupled with manual or automatic gearbox. It features a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 10.5 seconds, a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), fuel consumption of 8.8 lt/100km (26.7 mpg US or 32.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 206 g/km (manual front-wheel drive version).

Along with the engines, the two available 6-speed transmissions are also newly developed, while improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades, complete the list of changes.

The 2011 Antara will launch in Europe this Spring.