Chevrolet launched its new generation of cars built in Korea with the Captiva SUV, which also forms the base of Vauxhall's Antara. The giant US carmaker claims the new range is far superior to the Chevy-badged Daewoos of previous years, and will have a broader appeal in markets around the world.
Exterior styling is robust, but rather old-fashioned. The cabin is reasonably well designed, but the finish lets it down such as the unsupportive and shiny leather seats. Aside from the lowest-spec version, all Captivas are equipped with impressive levels of kit to include MP3 connectivity, ESP and hill descent mode, while top of the range cars come with seven fully-useable seats, and a variable four-wheel drive system (under normal conditions just the front wheels are powered). We found the extra traction was useful on wet tarmac, but the system didn't really cut it on proper rough surfaces.
Buyers can choose from a 2.0-litre diesel engine, producing 148bhp and 236lb ft of torque and well suited to towing loads, and a 2.4-litre petrol option. The diesel's low-end tug is countered by thrashy cruising manners, though, while the more refined 134bhp petrol version lacks the oil-burner's tractability. Both take around 11.5sec to reach 60mph from a standing start. Emissions are around 200g/km of CO2, which is off the pace for a modern SUV, but if you're using all seven seats it doesn't seem so bad. Choose a diesel with manual gearbox and you can expect respectable overall economy of around 37mpg.
Cornering roll is fairly well controlled, but that's really the only highlight when it comes to on-road dynamics. The ride is jarring and extremely unsettled, and the lack of feel through the steering wheel robs you of confidence. Strangely, automatic transmission is only available on the top-spec car, and the manual alternative is annoyingly awkward.
This car is an improvement over previous UK-bound Chevys, but sadly it just isn't good enough to compete with others in its class. Prices are way too high with the base version costing nearly £20K and top versions running to a comical £28K. Land Rover Freelander money for a rather poor Korean model with no brand image at all? We think not.