Overall rating:

The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback has always worked on paper, offering plenty of value for money, but in the UK has struggled to get buyers' wallets wagging. However, this new 1.7-litre diesel engine makes it more appealing than ever; if there was ever a time to invest in a Cruze, then this is it.

Key Facts

Model tested: Chevrolet Cruze 1.7 VCDi LS
Pricing: £16,725
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Citroen C4, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia
CO₂ emissions: 117g/km
Combined economy: 62.7mpg
Top speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
Power: 130hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 2,000rpm

In the Metal:

With its bold grille and oversized bowtie badge, Chevrolet's models certainly stand out - and the Cruze is no different. In fact you could argue it is more distinctive than a Volkswagen Golf, though it can't match that car for fine detail. Still, it's an attractive shape in an altogether cautious segment of the market.

The cabin's equally impressive to look at, the bold centre console borrowing heavily from the firm's Corvette heritage, and the deeply set instruments adding another area of visual interest. However, quality is behind the competition with rough interior mouldings, gaping shut lines and the shiny plastic steering wheel being particularly disappointing.

Driving it:

Save for the engine, the Cruze hasn't changed since it was launched in 2009. This 1.7-litre diesel replaces the previous 130hp 2.0-litre unit (a higher power version is still available), but offers better economy and lower emissions with similar performance. Used elsewhere in the GM range, the four-cylinder unit promises much.

And in this instance it certainly seems to deliver; both refinement and performance appear strong compared to its predecessor. There is a slight rattle when extended past 3,500rpm as power begins to drop off, but it is surprisingly punchy in the mid range. Sixth gear is usefully long too, equating to only around 2,000rpm at the legal motorway limit.

The Cruze even puts in a decent show on a back road, though even with the small wheels on our test car the damping did occasionally seem overly firm. It'll certainly resist roll admirably, but there is absolutely zero feel or feedback through the incredibly light steering - this lack of weight echoed in the pedals and gearshift. A keen driver's car this Cruze is definitely not.

What you get for your Money:

The range starts with the £16,725 LS model driven here, and moves through LT to top-spec LTZ at £18,685. All models have air conditioning and stability control, while the LTZ adds climate control and cruise control to the mix. Crucially, with low CO₂ emissions, annual road tax is only £30, while the 62.7mpg combined economy means trips to the pumps won't be too frequent. And of course, like all other Chevrolets the Cruze comes with peace of mind in the form of the firm's five-year warranty and fixed price three-year servicing deal - £349 for the Cruze.

Worth Noting

Despite only offering a hatchback and saloon model, since its 2009 introduction the Cruze family has sold over one million examples worldwide. At this year's Geneva Motor Show Chevrolet gave the new Cruze Station Wagon its first public unveiling, before putting it on sale later this year. There's a useful 500 litres of load space, which increases to 1,500 litres when the seats are folded flat.

Summary

This new 1.7-litre diesel engine makes for the best Chevrolet Cruze yet, of that there is no doubt - strong performance and high efficiency, along with the firm's five-year promise, make it an attractive proposition. The forthcoming estate model will add another string to its bow, likely proving popular with fleet buyers too, but at the end of the day the price tag means we'd still recommend that buyers seriously consider its rivals as well.