Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 VCDi LTZ (7 seat) Auto 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The driving position is comfortable and gives the driver a good view of the road, which is why more people are opting for the 'crossover' market. The handling is still close enough to a car on the road, and can actually be quite nippy. There is plenty of grip available, and although there is a little body movement in the corners this isn't enough to be a worry for the driver or any passengers.

In terms of the engine performance, it isn't bad considering the extra size and weight that comes with being a crossover vehicle. The top speed of 124mph is more than enough for the vast majority of drivers, and accelerating from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds is perfectly respectable for this vehicle. Four wheel drive is a big addition to the performance of the vehicle on the road, and driving aids such as cruise control, ESP and ABS all help the driver to be comfortable and secure behind the wheel.

The VCDi LTZ is the top of the Captiva range, and the amount of equipment that is included as standard is certainly impressive enough to keep even gadget fans happy. The satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are included as standard, and the stereo is a fine unit for those who enjoy their in-car entertainment. A reversing camera and rear parking sensor both help to make parking the vehicle easy and straightforward, which is often a worry for those people who are making their first purchase in the 'crossover' market.

One of the main reasons that many people will be interested in the Captiva is that it is actually a very attractive car, and has taken a number of design cues from the Landrover Freelander. The Captiva manages to be quite large yet still keeping some very sleek lines, and the 19 inch alloys that come as standard on this model do complete the look well.

Having seven seats is certainly a boon for those who have a large family, or will often be carrying friends in the vehicle which is a good start in terms of practicality. The back seats will also fold flat leaving a large luggage space for those who have a lot to carry, yet still able to comfortably accommodate five people. Many of the typical safety features are included as standard, and those who are wary about theft will be happy about the locking wheel nuts to keep their alloy wheels in place.

Like many modern cars the Captiva has been given five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, and was commended for the number of safety assistance features included in the vehicle. There are six airbags to be found in the vehicle should anything happen, and the safety is also boosted by the driving aids which are such an important part of the performance of the vehicle.

This is where most people will start to struggle with justifying this model of the Captiva. With the option for the automatic gearbox included, the car comes in at a hefty £31, 845, and even with the raft of equipment included with the Captiva this is still an awful lot of money. The equivalent top of the range Nissan Qashqai with an automatic gearbox comes in at £27,095, which is a big drop.

However, those who do purchase the Captiva will find that the fuel consumption is quite reasonable, capable of hitting an average 42.8mpg. Selling the Captiva can also be a painful experience, as depreciation on the vehicles has been quite significant, but one big plus is the inclusion of the five years warranty, roadside breakdown service and servicing does help to plan for the future motoring expenses.