The Captiva’s on its way – but here’s where it all started!

With all eyes fixed on the new Captiva at the British International Motor Show, the Chevrolet stand will also feature a car that is a piece of GM’s global heritage, and proof that when it comes to inventing new market segments, the American brand has always been a leader in its field.

The Chevrolet Suburban Carryall can take the credit for being the world’s first true ‘Crossover’ vehicle – an area of the new car market that today is booming, and one where New Captiva successfully combines the dynamic attributes of a car with the practicality of an MPV and the presence of a 4x4.

When the Suburban Carryall debuted, it brought with it a name that remains in the Chevrolet range even today (In the USA, Suburban was still a top seller in 2005), and it also introduced new ways of thinking to the motoring public.

Previously, a Station Wagon was a car built on a separate car or van chassis, with the rear bodywork usually constructed out of wood – but the Carryall was different. Capable of carrying eight passengers and their luggage, it featured an integral pressed steel body built on a rugged commercial vehicle chassis, making it ideal for carrying people in warmth and comfort through many different driving conditions.

Power came from a 3.3-litre straight six engine developing 79PS, fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with full syncromesh.

Originally targeted at taxi companies, or as hotel courtesy vehicles, the Suburban soon developed an identity of its own, as the world’s most versatile family car – an attribute that makes it, and the crossover sector, so popular today.

At the British International Motor Show, Chevrolet is proud to pull the covers off the first car to bring the Suburban’s multitude of talents, not to mention its 70-year heritage to Europe – the New Captiva. Set to arrive in UK dealers in 2007, this latest chapter in Chevrolet’s European history is the most exciting yet.