Chevrolet is now a defunct brand in the UK, but don’t let that stop you from considering what was arguably its most capable model when it was current. The Captiva is a seven-seat SUV that was one of the most affordable cars in its segment when it was new. The brand’s low profile when it was trading here meant the Captiva shed its value quickly; with Chevrolet’s profile dropping further since its UK dealers were shuttered at the end of 2015, its products are more affordable than ever. The Captiva is no class leader in any one area, but as an all-rounder it’s plenty good enough to deserve your attention.

Key dates

7/06: The Captiva reaches UK showrooms with 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel or 140bhp 2.4 petrol engines.

2/08: The special edition Captiva Edge appears.

5/08: There’s a new entry-level diesel, the 2.0 VCDi LS. 

5/10: The range-topping Captiva LTZ arrives with standard leather trim, heated front seats, privacy glass, parking sensors and a rear-facing camera.

3/11: A facelift brings a redesigned nose and an upgraded interior. A 2.2 diesel replaces the previous 2.0-litre unit.

6/13: Another facelift brings restyled lights, bumpers, grille, extra equipment and a posher cabin.

Checklist

• Clutches can burn out in under 20,000 miles, especially if the car is used for towing.
• Brake discs can fail prematurely, so feel for juddering through the pedal under braking.
• The automatic transmission makes for relaxed cruising, but significantly increases the cost of the annual road tax bill.
• The ESP can cut in for no apparent reason, leading to the throttle losing response; a software update is the cure.
• The diesel engine of pre-facelift cars sounds really agricultural around town and when cold.
• The interior trim feels cheap in places, but it tends to last well. However, the silver paint finish on some items can wear away.
• The trip computer can be woefully inaccurate, especially with fuel consumption figures.

We like

• Spacious
• Comfortable
• Good value
• Well equipped
• Looks smart

We don’t like

• Not great off-road
• No UK dealers
• Cheap interior