Chevrolet Cruze CS

For big road presence without a big price tag, the sporty CS pack is a great addition to the Cruze. Yet the white rims and spoiler will not appeal to everyone, and don’t expect the handling to match up to the BTCC-inspired looks. The combination of the torquey diesel and smooth auto suits the car’s laid-back demeanour perfectly, although it’s the most expensive combination in the Cruze range.

Wannabe BTCC drivers step this way! Chevrolet has created the ultimate Cruze by fitting lowered suspension, a spoiler and white wheels inspired by the highly successful touring car racer. Available as a £1,595 option on all models, the CS styling kit gives the well proportioned saloon a much meaner look. Although the multi-spoke wheels won’t be to all tastes, they combine well with the aggressive face, spoiler and road-scraping stance.

There are also CS graphics on the front bumper and branded mats on the inside, but otherwise the car is standard – and that’s no bad thing. While the cabin materials feel cheap to the touch, it’s all well put together and built to last. The top-spec LT model driven here even features part-leather trim and a soft-touch fabric coating on the dash.

Under the skin of our car was the range-topping 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel, teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination might seem at odds with the sporty styling, but the torquey engine and smooth box are in fact more rewarding on the road than the lacklustre 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol options.

It’s a similar story with the handling: even though the suspension is lowered, the driving experience is tuned for comfort not speed. Light steering and noticeable body roll mean the Cruze is at its best in a straight line. If you like the race car styling in a road car package, the CS bodykit is perfect. Just don’t expect it to have more than looks in common with Chevy’s BTCC machine.