Launched in 2009, the Cruze is Chevrolet's most successful model – and the arrival of the new Station Wagon broadens the Cruze’s appeal even further.

There are four engines on offer – a 1.7-litre VCDi, a 2.0-litre VCDi and two petrol motors (1.6-litre and 1.8-litre) – as well as three trim levels in the LT, LS and LTZ. At the front, the familiar dual-port grille, together with the golden bow tie, instantly identifies the Station Wagon as a Chevrolet. As with all 2013 Cruze models, it features a revised bumper design that houses the fog lights in a new position.

Based on the same platform as the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer, this Chevy is as spacious as it looks, with the boot measuring 1,024mm in length, allowing storage of up to 500 litres up to the window line. When the rear seat backs (60/40 split) are folded flat, the capacity figure rises to an impressive 1,478 litres. The interior feels upmarket, and useful features include tie-down points for larger items of luggage and a hidden compartment under the boot floor. In the main cabin, there are extra storage areas in the doors, on the front seat backs and the split-level glovebox. Accessories include cargo nets, a cargo organiser box with flexible partition walls, a roof box and bicycle, ski and surf board carrier systems.

Standard equipment fitted across the range includes air-conditioning, electric front windows, remote central locking and follow-me-home headlights. Mid-spec LT models add more premium features including 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a leather steering wheel and gearknob. Range-topping LTZ models add, among other items, Blue-tooth connectivity, climate control, satellite navigation and a rear parking camera. I drove the new 128bhp 1.7 diesel, which was a comfortable drive despite being fairly noisy at motorway speeds and having some body roll in corners. Steering was nicely light and responsive, and there was plenty of grip, which is reassuring with the weather like it is at the moment. Its low CO2 emissions together with excellent fuel economy make it a good contender for a company car.

Fact file:
Car:
Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon 1.7 VCDi
On the road: From £15,375
0-62mph: 10 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
Fuel: 62.7mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 119g/km