This week Nicholas reviews the Chevrolet Captiva. Read Nicholas’ other reviews. Ed
Funny how things turn out. As environmental issues and fuel price woes became more and more important, the use of large SUVs and 4x4s for pottering around town became less fashionable than a Sinclair C5. Now, all it has taken is two harsh winters for buyers to once again start leaning towards all wheel drive security and chunky, pothole-masking suspension.
The rising popularity of the off-roader based family car (or ‘crossover’) couldn’t have come at a better time. The motoring industry has, over the last few years, strived to make SUVs more efficient and economical, helping cars like the Nissan Qashqai sit the driver above mundane hatchbacks without suffering the obnoxious 4×4 image.
Priced mid-market
In terms of both size and price, the Chevrolet Captiva is a vehicle that sits right in the middle of the market place. With a saving of £4,580 from Hartwell Garage in Newport, can get this top of the range, seven seat model with a 2.0L diesel engine, automatic gearbox and full leather interior for £25,995.
Its styling is simple and authoritative – my only complaint being the fussy rear lights that look a bit too showy for the restrained body work.
A big, comfortable car
It’s a big car, and you have to climb up into the cabin, but once in there, it’s a very pleasant place to be, with big seats, a nice wheel and the full works of satellite navigation and air conditioning. I particularly like the strips of trim around the door handles that look like dark, burnished wood.
The 2.0 diesel is the pick of the engine range, proving twice the torque of the petrol on offer. It is very noisy from a cold start though; you could charitably call it character … but your neighbours’ probably won’t.
Good throttle response
But once on the road the engine is great. For a diesel mated to an automatic gearbox, throttle response is good and so smooth were the shifts, I can’t even remember one from the whole drive. The ride is great, masking potholes but without wallowing over larger compressions or cambers, and it changes direction with composure.
With the diesel over 40 mpg is possible and my only concern with recommending the car would be depreciation. Chevrolet are still fairly new to the UK market place and as such, brilliant deals are available. It certainly feels like a £25,000 car, but big discounts on new cars have never boded well for second-hand prices, so make sure you specify a sensible colour to maximise resale potential.
Five-year warranty
Finally, the Chevrolet Captiva also distinguishes itself from the rest of the market place by offering a five-year warranty. Beaten only by Kia and Vauxhall, the warranty really is symbolic of Chevrolet’s confidence in its vehicles.
Summary:
A family car that elevates you above the riff raff, but for a reasonable price. 8/10
Thanks to Hartwell Garage for help with the article.
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