SOME city cars have a real problem getting four adults in, with those in the back quite often most uncomfortable.

But the funky-looking Chevrolet Spark, which replaced the Matiz, is a five door with way more interior space than the Ford Ka or Fiat 500.

It's also capable of longer trips than just the school scramble or the supermarket sweep.

With the easy-fold back seats down, I managed to get four large bags of garden waste in for a trip to the tip.

But with all those seats in place, the boot is tiny - just about big enough for four bags of shopping.

There are two petrol engines, a 1.0-litre with 67bhp and a 1.2 with 79bhp. Both are equally economical and also have the same decently low emissions but the 1.2 is a lot more responsive, quicker and more fun to drive.

Like all small engines, both have to be wound up towards the red line, but when you do, they sound sweet and feel reasonably peppy.

The clutch is light, the gearchange slick and easy and the power steering allied to small size makes them lovely to park and manoeuvre.

They also hold the road well, with a taut, well-balanced feel, very good grip that instils confidence and a level of ride comfort that matches much later cars.

The whole car was a big step up in quality from the Matiz, with good fit and finish inside and out.

The cabin is well styled, decently equipped and refinement is also good.

Despite low prices new, they come with electric heated mirrors, electric windows all round, remote locking, climate, MP3 connection, alloys and six airbags. The 1.2 also gets stability control.

What really sells the Spark is its value for money and low running costs, with excellent economy and low, group 3 insurance.

Pay about £5,000 for a '13 13-reg LT, or £6,800 for a '15 15-reg LTZ.