THE latest Chevrolet Aveo is based on a new platform that will also be used for a new Vauxhall Corsa and it goes on sale in September with prices starting at about £9,000.

It is a five door hatch and will almost certainly have a choice of two petrol engines and for the first time, a 1.3-litre diesel.

It is aimed at cars like the Ford Fiesta and so should have room for five at a pinch plus a decent sized boot and a split folding rear seat.

The company claims a comfortable ride from the new suspension, and it comes with height and reach adjustment for the power steering and a height adjustable driver's seat.

Those that have seen it say there is plenty of front and rear legroom but the plastics are all rather hard.

The 1.2 engine is only just enough for the car's weight and while the 1.4 is better, it still has to be worked hard to get reasonable performance.

The instruments are digital, which will not suit everyone, but as long as they are visible in bright sunlight, they're fine by me.

: Ford Fiesta