Like all segments in our local market, that of the compact SUV is a bustling one. Audi Q5, BMW X3, Honda CR-V, Hyundai iX35, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, of course the Chevrolet Captiva, and this list goes on. With such a variety of make, model and performance, there is also something for everyone when it comes to price, starting from around R233 000 for a Qashqai and up to R614 000 for a range-topping BMW X3. The Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 Diesel resides in the middle of this price bracket at R427 500, so does this mean it has a middle-of-the-road character?

Looks-wise, yes, maybe it is a little ordinary, even following its 2011 facelift. Arguably there are more exciting looking compact SUVs on the road, think of the recently launched Ford Kuga, the now familiar Kia Sportage and let’s not even mention the Range Rover Evoque, because, well, that wouldn’t be an apples-with-apples comparison. The Captiva’s front-end is its most favourable angle. A truck-inspired, squared-off, solid-looking facade that threatens to bulldoze other road users out of the way, the Captiva successfully appeals to one’s sense of power behind the wheel. From the A-pillar backwards, however, the muscle begins to wane into a fairly customary design, saved to some extent by the chunky 5-spoke, 19-inch, alloy wheels and their accentuated wheel arches.

As a seven-seater, the Captiva immediately offers an edge over some of its competitors in the practicality stakes. Easy to fold-up and down from their resting position in the boot floor, the third row of seats is perfect for strapping in two extra kids on the school run, as opposed to having them roll around in the boot. Available exclusively in Chevrolet’s LTZ trim level, the Captiva offers all the technology and luxury you’d expect for the money. Cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, rear park distance control, rain-sensing wipers and auto-activated headlights, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a sunroof, are just some of standard fit items. Short on the features list though is a USB connection, height adjustable headlights and dual-zone climate control, all of which can be found on some city runabouts in fact.

The Captiva has a solid feel to it, which isn’t just a feeling either, as the 2 474 kg GVM reveals (as a gauge, the Ford Kuga weighs 344 kg less) . The plastics are well put together, with no harsh edges or offensive surfaces. All information displays are easy to read and work with. The seats are comfortable, there is enough legroom in the second row of seats for extended journeys and a retractable cargo cover in the boot hides 1 577-litres of free space when the third row of seats isn’t in use. There are also plenty of storage areas too, including a fair sized hidden compartment beneath the two cup holders between the front seats.

The new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that replaces the previous 2.0-litre unit, is not only more powerful, but also more refined. A variable-vane turbocharger, a more efficient combustion cycle, reduced compression ratio, a balance shaft module integrated into the oil cooler and a dual-mass flywheel, all help to keep noise and vibration to a minimum. From a driver’s perspective, the Captiva feels a little slow off the mark, not helped by its weight, some turbo lag, as well as a lethargic gearbox. However, once passed the initial hesitation, the Captiva diesel does pull well, thanks to 400 Nm of torque available from 2 000 r/min and 135 kW at 3 800 r/min. As with most diesel engines, it doesn’t feel particularly fast, but steady progress is indicated via the speedo. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and compliments the engine in this regard. Chevrolet claim an average fuel consumption figure of 8.0 L/100km, but after 700 km the on-board computer read 9.8 L/100km. This figure could be better, but on the other hand, it isn’t likely to go much higher, as we also put the car through its paces on some mountain passes and long stretches of open road.

Being relatively heavy for its size proved an asset to the Captiva. It feels planted on the road, isn’t easily perturbed by cross-winds and, in combination with well weighted and accurate steering, doesn’t require any excessive inputs to keep it on the straight and narrow. It handles bends well too, as the four-wheel drive system provides a level of grip which the car’s weight would quickly overcome were it a two-wheel drive configuration. The ride is surprisingly comfortable, offers good body control and remains so even when taken on dirt roads. In addition to the quiet engine, the interior insulation itself is very good, with little in the way of wind and road noise, which only adds to the refined nature of the Captiva, from its drivetrain to the suspension and build quality.

Is the Captiva 2.2D a middle-of-the-road compact SUV? In some areas yes, but in others it beats expectations and that’s a battle not easily won in this day and age.

What we like…

• Refinement.
• Practicality
• Solid build.

What we would like…

• USB and electronic height adjustment for headlights.
• A little less weight for a slight improvement in fuel economy and a little livelier character.