Chevrolet Cruze Vs. Skoda Octavia

Chevrolet is aiming to bridge the gap from value brand to mainstream player – and this is how it plans to do it.

The new Cruze family saloon goes on sale this month, and mixes stylish looks with sharp dynamics at affordable prices.

But if that isn’t enough to make you sit up and take notice, this will: the Cruze shares its underpinnings with the all-new Vauxhall Astra, which isn’t set to reach the UK until the autumn.

The Chevy is available with a choice of two petrol engines and a pair of diesels – and to see if it can help the American marque span the divide from fringe firm to established name, we test the 1.8-litre petrol version in top-of-the-range LT trim.

Up against it is a car which, like the new Cruze, shares its underpinnings with an established family car. The Skoda Octavia is MkV VW Golf through and through, and wears an attractive price tag.

Does the 1.4-litre TSI SE uphold the Czech maker’s reputation, or will the Chevy Cruze to victory?