Cost-conscious motorists often weigh up the difference between buying a petrol car at list price and paying extra for its increased fuel consumption, or spending a little more to own a diesel in the first place and save when they pull up to the pumps.

But for canny buyers opting for a Captiva SUV between now and the end of the year, Chevrolet is making the decision much easier by offering the popular five-seat 2.0 VCDi LS model for the same price as the 2.4 LS petrol.

With a £1,450 reduction on the list price, the 2.0 VCDi LS costs just £16,995 on-the-road – a saving of a huge £5,000 compared to the similarly equipped five-seat Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD GSi.

Chevrolet Captiva VCDi LS (2008) - picture 1 of 3
Chevrolet Captiva VCDi LS (2008) - picture 2 of 3
Chevrolet Captiva VCDi LS (2008) - picture 3 of 3

Yet despite the bargain price tag, the Captiva LS doesn't skimp on specification. It comes with air conditioning, smart 16-inch alloy wheels, a glass-flip tailgate, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, a powerful six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with MP3 socket, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front, side and curtain airbags, remote control two-stage deadlocking and charcoal-effect roof rails.

The 2.0-litre 150PS common-rail diesel engine powers the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox, delivering a combined fuel economy figure of 39.2mpg (45.6mpg extra-urban; 32.1mpg urban). CO2 emissions are 191g/km, and the car accelerates from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph.

Chevrolet customers can also save further by adding in a three-year full servicing package, costing from £299 a year. For further information or to find your nearest Chevrolet dealer.