Chevrolet Captiva Road Test

Chevrolet Captiva

While the LS has the same ABS and Level Ride Suspension as the others, it lacks ESP with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and the aforementioned, Descent Control System (DCS).

As most people don’t need a full 4WD system, Chevrolet decided that the AWD would be better for the Captiva. It does away with the extra gubbins, thus reducing weight and making a saving on fuel.

Although the combined fuel consumption figure for the petrol engine is a reasonable 31.7mpg and the diesel with automatic transmission is a little better (32.8mpg), it’s the ‘manual’ diesel that provides the best consumption; 32.1mpg for the urban cycle, 41.5mpg for the extra-urban and the combined works out as 37.1mpg.

The engine pulls its weight, too, producing 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm (100Nm more than the petrol) and outputs 150PS at 4,000rpm. It takes the ‘auto’ test car 12.2 seconds to get from 0-60mph and the top speed is 112mph.

The Captiva is very easy to live with. It performs well in all circumstances and has a good, solid feel to it, which inspires confidence and makes for a relaxing drive, even when the seats are all occupied.

And, as there are likely to be kids on board, the Captiva comes complete with ISOFIX mountings to the outer seats of the second row and childproof locks provide extra piece of mind. Front side and curtain airbags are standard throughout the range to cushion the blow in the event of a collision.

I liked the Chevrolet Captiva. It has the ride-height and robust styling to compete in the ‘school-run’ but without the unnecessary 4WD. The quality of materials shows that European tastes have been catered for with some consideration, while value for money has not been forgotten in the mix.

Chevrolet Captiva