THE Korean-built Chevrolet Captiva is a sports utility vehicle which is less aggressive in style than many of the breed and which has the advantage of coming, in LTX trim, as a seven-seater.
In fact, it has a few good things going for it, including some genuine car-like qualities and generous fittings for a sub-£25,000 car.
There's a softish soak-up-the-bumps suspension, a nod to its main American market, and the set-up does mean a little roll is inevitable, but generally the impressive comfort of the ride doesn't undermine the Captiva's grip and resolution.
The LTX employs on-demand all-wheel-drive which means that in normal circumstances the front wheels are doing the work, but if sensors detect problems all wheels are brought into play.
In addition, you get electronic stability control, which includes features such as hill descent control and active rollover protect on, level ride suspension on, which automatically adjusts for loads and for dirty driving condtions, a winter button for the five-speed gearbox. Thus just about all safety boxes are ticked.
In typical SUV fashion you actually feel safe, too. While you don't need steps to get in, the Captiva is tall enough to lift you above the crowd. There are generous amounts of glass, including a large, upright front screen, and visibility in all directions is excellent. Even the big door mirrors score well.
Theres eight-way adjustment of the driving seat and reach and height variation of the steering wheel, so drivers of all shapes and sizes are well catered for, and for everyone aboard there's airbag protection.
The LTX Captiva caters for up to six passengers and with fair amounts of room and comfort at that, but there's good flexibility. The third row of seats fold flat to the floor, and the second-row and the front passenger seat also tumble flat so that a load length of 2.7 metres is available and there's maximum load capacity of 1,565 litres The tailgate window opens separately, for drop-in shopping.
A more-than-generous cargo-carrier, then, but the LTX Captiva looks after people well. The upholstery is leather and the front seats are heated while other facilities include electronic climate control, with a cooled glove box, tinted windows, plenty of in-car storage space, including a tray under the passenger seat, and an entertainment system with a six-CD autochanger and MP3 format. The cabin ambience is quite pleasant, with soft-touch plastics teamed with metal highlights.
For the driver there's cruise control, automatic wipers and lights, rear parking sensors, leather grips, remote audio controls on the steering wheel and some very clear dials and info presentation.
On the down side, the spade-grip parking brake is less than likeable while Chevrolet's new 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel has to work to propel a 1,820kg vehicle. It rumbles a bit and performance is moderate, 11.5 seconds from standstill to 60mph and a top speed of 113mph. Economy is a tad disappointing and CO2 emissions are a bit high.
On the other hand , the engine has 236lb/ft of pull so it keeps going with determination and the Captiva would make a good tow carr (up to 2,000kg). There is some off-road capability, too, with skid plates fore and aft, body cladding and the 4WD facility.
But the Captiva's main strength is as a flexible family vehicle, capable of carrying a brood of kids and everything that goes with them. Unlike in some 4x4s, drivers of smallish build, including mums, won't find it daunting to drive while still having that feeling of security.
The car is reasonably nimble for its dimensions, as well, an 11.4m turning circle meaning it is not an embarrassment in tight town driving. Finally, with the levels of equipment included - and I haven't even mentioned alloys, foglights, bright roof rails and quite a bit more - the Captiva boasts exceptionally high value for money.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 Diesel LTX (7seat)
Price: £24,295
Mechanical: 150ps, 1,991cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 113mph
0-62mph: 11.3 secs
Combined mpg: 38.2
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 197g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 5yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust