WHEN it comes to buying the family car, women are key decision makers.

In many cases it is they who are doing most of the ferrying around to various children's events - so know what they want.

Chevrolet's Cruze could be on to a winner if my other half is anything to go by.

She rarely comments on cars, but was taken with this one, liking the interior space, the well laid out dash and controls and especially the deep, deep boot.

She also liked the overall shape. Small family hatchbacks are functional rather than particularly stylish but nice touches like the high waistline, split level grille and slightly flared wheel arches  give the car a road presence.

Obviously not as well known as the leaders, like the Astra and Golf, the Cruze offers plenty of food for thought for small family hatchback buyers.

It is a nice looking, roomy car with a huge boot and offers petrol and diesel economy.

Allthough emissions, particularly on the automatic diesel model tested are quite high, putting in 26 per cent bracket for benefit in kind taxation.

Another important factor for a family car is safety and the Cruze is among the best on the market securing an NCAP five star safety rating thanks to technology like multiple airbags, stability and traction control, anti lock braking as well as ISOFIX child anchor points. A collapsible pedal assembly also folds away in moderate-to-severe impacts.

But the key factor is surely the price. It's an old cliche, but you get a lot of metal for the money, with a starting price of just under £14,000.

It may not be quite as high quality as some competitors with hard-wearing plastics evident where others have soft touch trim, but it doesn't for one minute feel cheap and nasty.

Standard kit is also impressive with an array of goodies normally found on more expensive competitors.

These include a radio/CD system, MP3 playback and up to six loudspeakers, air conditioning, electric windows and door mirrors, plus alarm and immobiliser. Move up the range and alloys are included as well as Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and climate control.

The two-litre diesel offers a combination of pace and economy, together with low emissions of 147g/km.

The 163bhp unit also has bags of low-down torque that particularly comes into play on the motorway when overtaking. The 0-60mph sprint takes just 10 seconds with a top speed of 127mph.

Mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox, official mpg figures are not that impressive at 44mpg, but that did seem on the low side and I thought it was nearer 50mpg - a  figure claimed for the manual version of the car.

The engine itself is refined with little intrusion into the well insulated cabin.

There is a choice of three engines - two petrol units and the two-litre diesel, but a  new 1.7-litre diesel engine will become available this year.

In practical terms the boot has a capacity of 413 litres with the seats in place. Folding the rear seats forward in a 60/40 split increases the space to 883 litres.

In addition there are various storage spaces in the two-tier glove box, the centre console and door pockets, as well as the seatback pockets.

The Cruze is a well designed and practical car at an eye-catching price - certainly a tempting alternative to the main players. Last but not least, there's a five year, 100,000 miles warranty.