Chevrolet has traditionally been associated with iconic muscle cars like the Corvette and Camaro, and the small band of ex-Daewoo products it inherited in 2005 have struggled to establish themselves in the budget car sector. The Captiva is the first Chevrolet product that doesn't have its origins in an earlier Daewoo-badged model. It is also the first Chevrolet to reach the UK with a diesel engine - and diesel versions come with four-wheel drive and modest off-road ability. Petrol model is front-wheel drive and only available as a cut-price entry point to the rangel. The Captiva diesel is available with seven seats and makes a decent car for a large family, but a few too many signs of cost cutting associated with budget brands remain.
The interior of the Captiva is pleasant enough, with excellent adjustment for the driver's seat and the steering is adjustable for reach and height on diesel versions. The dashboard is quite sober-looking but is improved by the metallic-effect strips running vertically alongside the dashboard centre. Visibility is pretty good, apart from around the rear pillar. One slightly annoying feature is the sound of plastic trim parts of the seat adjustment mechanism rubbing against the vinyl seat sides, or the third row seats rubbing against each other along the 50:50 split. It seems that Chevrolet didn't put as much effort into resolving these issues (experimenting with different materials and so on), because it didn't think its customers would mind.
The first two rows of seats in the Captiva offer generous headroom and leg room. The third row of seats, where specified, is quite easy to access - the middle row 60:40 split bench has a lever on both sides to fold the seat forward with one movement. The middle row seat-backs also recline. Sitting in the third row wouldn't be comfortable for adults on long journeys. The high floor means you sit with your knees quite high and there is a rather claustrophobic feel. Suppression of engine noise isn't as good as the class leaders, with diesel 'clatter' all too evident when starting from cold. Air conditioning and electric windows are standard on all Captiva models, and heated front seats are fitted on LTX versions.
Petrol LS model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, CD/radio and MP3 connection, air conditioning, six airbags, reclining rear seats, self-levelling rear suspension and roof rails. Diesel LT model adds and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, chilled area of the glove compartment and a reach and height adjustable steering wheel. LTX models add a six-CD autochanger, electronic climate control rear parking sensor, cruise control, front fog lights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, chrome exhaust pipe finishers, 18-inch alloy wheels and leather seat facings. Options include metallic paint and fixed cost servicing packs.
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