Chevrolet PH launching Baojun-based Captiva?

Return of the comeback? All-new Chevrolet Captiva spotted on PH roads

It looks like Chevrolet distributor The Covenant Car Company Inc (TCCCI) is already making preparations to add another crossover SUV to its lineup. While the bow-tie already has the Tracker, Trailblazer, and Trax on sale in PH, the automaker apparently wants to add another vehicle to its portfolio.

But instead of bringing a fresh new nameplate, Chevrolet appears to be looking at resurrecting an old name that has been dormant for quite some time.

We recently spotted a crossover SUV being driven on public roads and it had its badges covered. Naturally, this piqued our interest as this means a new (or existing) automaker is already conducting local testing. The mystery vehicle turned out to be the new Chevrolet Captiva.

We say badged because it seems to be the Baojun 530; a compact crossover SUV produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling and is sold under different brands (i.e. badge engineered or rebadged). Aside from being sold as the Chevrolet Captiva, it’s also branded as the Wuling Almaz and the MG Hector for the Indian market.

Based on the photos we took, the Captiva we recently spotted appears to be based on the 2022 facelift. It gets a redesigned front bumper, restyled headlights, and a slightly revised front grille. The rear, meanwhile, gets a unique pair of LED taillights along with a stylish tailgate. Also worth mentioning is what looks like a full-width reflector on the rear bumper and a pair of fake exhaust finishers (the actual exhaust can be seen on the left side hidden underneath the rear bumper).

We didn’t get a good look at the Captiva’s interior. However, we can expect it to look quite similar to what other markets get. That means the PH-spec model could come with a tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a thick leather steering wheel, leather seats, power-adjustable seats, and more.

There could be two engine choices available for the PH-spec Captiva. First is a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine that makes a humble 116 PS with 144 Nm of torque and a more powerful turbocharged version that generates 147 PS with 250 Nm of torque. Available transmissions may include a CVT and a 6-speed dual-clutch.

With Chevrolet PH still quiet regarding the all-new Captiva spotted on the PH roads, it seems we may have inadvertently spoiled one of their upcoming launches. Add the fact that the vehicle we spotted had a conduction sticker that begins with the letter W (Chevrolet Philippines tends to use that for their vehicles), we were able to narrow it down a bit more. 

For now, we will be keeping our eyes open for any new information regarding the apparent return of the Captiva to the Philippine market.