SUVs are beginning to look as they they’re cloned from the same stem cells. They’re as difficult to tell one apart from one another, as it is to pick your grandson out among the 20 or so grey mice on the stage at the year-end kindergarten concert.

Based on the Chevrolet SX3 concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, the all-new Chev Captiva was designed by a team at GM’s design centre in Incheon. The biggest shocker is that the Captiva comes from GM-Daewoo’s factory in South Korea, though it was developed in conjunction with Opel, and if this is any indication of what future products are to come from GM’s Daewoo stable, the future for Chev looks bright indeed.

Yankee looking, it handles as well as the BMW X3. The new Captiva is — if I dare use that hackneyed ‘captivating’ adjective here — good looking and well appointed and thankfully is also fitted with an advanced V6 twin-cam engine that revs easily and smoothly to 6500 an at least keep it at the sharp end of its segment.

It was no surprise when the test equipment read out 10.4 seconds for the zero to 100 and 17.0 for the standing quarter, which is similar to the similarly priced Dodge Nitro we tested recently. In terms of styling I also fancy the ‘butch’ styling of the Nitro more, at least it looks the part and perhaps the way future SUVs should look. The Captiva in some ways mimics the Ford Territory too.

When compared to its European rivals such as the X3 3.0 — which it resembles — it’s no match in performance terms but then offers a little more passenger space. A huge plus is its seven-seat layout in which two adults can comfortably be accommodated in the third row. When folded down plenty of boot space is achieved — from 465 to 930 litres when the second row is lowered and then grows to large 1565 litres with just the front seats in an upright position.

The interior is rather staid but ergonomically well set out with all commands within easy reach and an attractive fascia with flowing lines. Trim is also low-key with some chrome and synthetic brushed steel inserts added and handsome but simple centre console.

Handling and feel was surprisingly positive and dispelled my any preconceived ideas that the Captiva would impart the characteristics of a Yankee ‘floater’. Precise and positive it feels and drives like a mid-executive salon. Another positive is the all-wheel drive set-up that automatically engages when the electronics require it and also the suspension system that adjusts according to load.

But its when you compare pricing is where the Captiva 3.2 V6 scores. At R329 000, it can be considered a steal. Yes a few rivals may be a trite quicker but consider that the similarly sized BMW X3 3.0i will fleece you of another R159 000, or the X3 2.5i with similar performance that will also set you back R122K more. The Captiva is priced within the Toyota RAV4 ballpark, yet it’s bigger than the vehicles in that class.

GM has done its homework, with the all-new Captiva including most of the latest in hi-tech advancements added to assist it to at least stay with the game.

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