All Cruze hatchbacks are equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The Cruze saloon received five stars from Euro NCAP when it was tested and we expect the hatch to also attain top marks.

Minimum load space with the seats in place measures 413 litres. That’s a massive improvement on the 275 litres which was on offer in the previous Chevrolet hatchback, the Lacetti. It’s also better than the 340 litres that you get in the Hyundai i30 or the 312 litres in the Vauxhall Astra. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split. Drop the rear seats, however, and you’ll expand the load room to just 883 litres which is poor when you compare it to the 1,300 litres available when you fold down the seats in a Kia Cee’d.

There are plenty of cubbies to keep loose change in and the door pockets will easily swallow a 500ml bottle and a map book.