Chevrolet Cruze

While the Cruze range isn’t the most inspiring in the sector, this versatile hatch certainly makes it more appealing. Its cabin remains distinctive, and the exterior looks sharper than the four-door’s. The powerful diesel provides fine economy and performance. Add in the comprehensive five-year warranty and attractive fixed-price servicing, and it makes for a strong contender for hassle-free motoring.

Chevrolet is hatching a plan to dominate the family car sector with its latest model. Last year, the Cruze saloon was the brand’s top seller worldwide, and the new hatchback is designed to broaden the car’s appeal and attract even more buyers into showrooms.

Based on the four-door, the hatch swallows 413 litres of luggage with the seats in place, and an impressive 883 litres when the 60/40 split bench is folded flat. Plus, thanks to a reprofiled roofline, there’s a further 11mm of headroom for passengers in the rear.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Chevrolet Cruze

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Up front, the car retains the standard Cruze dashboard, which is split into two sections and said to take cues from the firm’s Corvette sports car.

The cabin is certainly one of the most interesting-looking in the sector, with fabric running from doors to dash, deeply cowled instruments and an abundance of silver and piano black inlays.

In LT trim, the car is well equipped, too, with cruise control, air-con, electric windows all-round and a leather gearknob and steering wheel. The driving position also offers plenty of adjustment, and although the seats are firm, there is plenty of support – something you’ll appreciate when you attack a corner.

Carry enough speed into a bend, and you’ll discover there is plenty of grip but also a lot of body roll. And while the steering is consistently weighted, if a bit light, we’d prefer to see more feedback. The new car doesn’t deliver on its sleeker looks with sporty responses, though; the focus is very much on comfort.

As with the saloon, there’s a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel – although the latter isn’t available with the entry-level LS. This is a shame, as it’s a talented unit and among the most powerful in the class.

The 161bhp 2.0-litre is smooth and refined, and with 360Nm of torque available from only 1,750rpm, it gives relaxed and comfortable progress. Combined economy of more than 50mpg stacks up well against competitors, too.

The package is backed by Chevrolet’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty, and 12 months’ recovery is thrown in. Buyers can also choose from two great-value fixed-price servicing plans for their Cruze: both last three years, with 30,000 miles of cover costing £299 and the 60,000-mile deal weighing in at a reasonable £499.