Chevrolet Cruze 2.0 DCVi LS Manual 2009

A little over a year since the Cruze made its debut in Paris, Chevrolet enters the crowded family car sector, hoping to differentiate itself through new styling ideas and a new name for its four-door saloon.

Sales incentives have been introduced: three year’s free servicing and road tax on initial orders. It appears to have worked. All 3,000 available models are sold. Next year there will be 5,500 units available.

With prices starting from £11,545, Chevrolet dealers will be pressing the kit-for-your-cash advantage over rivals. The top of the range Cruze, the 2.0 VCDi LS costs £14,375.

The equipment list from base includes ESC, an alarm and immobiliser, air con, electric mirrors, CD player, RDS and six airbags.

The Cruze is built around GM’s new global compact platform meaning it has the same underpinnings, suspension and electronics as the recently launched new Astra – but at a much more attractive price.

Price: £14,345
Rivals: Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra