The Chevrolet is good value, especially compared with most of its seven-seat rivals. The cabin is spacious and well built for a car from a budget brand.
It makes a far from perfect tow car, however. The over-soft suspension allows too much movement at high speeds, and through the lane-change test the Captiva was the least able model in this weight class, rolling like a ship in a storm.
The 2.0-litre engine is smooth, but it has a lot of weight to pull and could do with more punch at low revs. The 30-60mph sprint of 20 seconds is respectable. The 30-0mph stop in 10.88 metres looks good on paper, but the outfit felt nervous slowing so quickly.
The practicality testers were happier than the drivers. Set up to seat five, the Chevy had room for every item of luggage except one large bag. The easily accessible spare wheel and comprehensive manual added to the score.
The official combined figure promises 37.1mpg, which is a little worse than many rivals. Carbon emissions of 197g/km are a little on the high side, too.
