Chevrolet Captiva ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

The Captiva was the very first mainstream model launched by Chevrolet that wasn't simply a rebadged Korean Daewoo. It has since been followed by an entire range of General Motors related cars that really bolstered the credibility of Chevrolet in the UK. To keep the Captiva looking its best it has recently benefited from a series of minor revisions so we thought we would see what it has to offer.

With probably one of the biggest grills you will see on a European car the Captiva certainly has plenty of road presence aided by its generous dimensions. New for 2013 are revised front and rear bumpers, squarer twin exhausts and smart full LED rear lights replacing the tacky looking clear lense items that went before. 

In a world where manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of interior quality the Captiva is pretty old hat. The trim feels cheap and doesn't look particularly appealing with smatterings of cheap-looking silver trim all over the place. The design too is showing its age with a steering wheel that appears to have been lifted straight out of a truck and the pixelated stereo display harks back to the era of Pac-Man.

Thankfully Chevrolet's obsession with handy storage compartments is evident - there are loads including a clever hidden compartment under the centre cupholders. The cabin is very spacious with our car boasting two additional seats in the cavernous boot that offer a little more room than a lot of other Captiva-sized cars. It's also a very comfortable place to be with a commanding view of the road and plenty of seat and wheel adjustment for the driver.

Our mid-level LT comes well equipped boasting alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, front and rear electric windows, rear parking sensors, half leather seats, automatic lights and wipers and a USB and Bluetooth compatible DAB stereo. At £28,925 it is hardly cheap but it's certainly a lot of metal for the money and who pays list price for a Chevy anyway?

Propulsion comes from a 2.2 litre 16v 181 bhp diesel unit with 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. Having to lug around nearly 1,900kg means that performance is adequate taking 10.6 seconds to reach 60 mph topping out at 118 mph.

Engine refinement is respectable and the delivery of power is smooth with good mid-range muscle ideal for overtaking and climbing inclines. Our cars 6-speed auto box changes cogs pretty seamlessly but it is slow to kickdown and those changes are far from quick. 

The driving experience is pretty good as long as you aren't in a hurry. The Captiva rides comfortably and quietly only coming unstuck on really decayed surfaces and passengers are well insulated from external noises. The steering is also nice and light.

However keener drivers probably won't be drawn to the Captiva. When pushed it rolls excessively in bends and the steering is devoid of any feel amplified by the huge wheel itself. On sweeping country roads it also wallows around quite a bit and the chassis tends to run out of grip more quickly than you would usually expect of a four-wheel drive. Still when the weather turns ugly having all-wheel drive will be very worthwhile.

Running costs are another area that will make you wince with emissions of 208 g/km which results in an annual VED cost of £270 (Band K). It's worth noting that first year VED will set you back an eye-watering £600. Economy is also lacking, we only managed 27 mpg on a combined cycle which means frequent fill ups despite the large fuel tank.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £28,925
Engine: 2.2 litre 16v 181 bhp - 0-60 mph: 10.6 secs - Maximum Speed: 118 mph -
Economy: 27.1 mpg (urban) –43.4 mpg (extra-urban), 35.7 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 208 g/km (Band K) - VED (12 months): £270
Dimensions: Length: 4,673 mm - Width: 1,849 mm - Height: 1,756 mm - Wheelbase: 2707 mm
*data from Chevrolet UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The Chevrolet Captiva isn't fast, economical or particularly plush inside. It’s also showing its age in a number of areas. But what is does offer is excellent levels of comfort, refinement, space and good kit levels. When driven in a relaxed manner - which suits its character - the Captiva makes a superb alternative to similarly priced rivals from Hyundai and Kia and is certain to prove dependable. The in-your-face styling also holds plenty of appeal.

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