SINCE the launch of the first Cruze model in 2009 Chevrolet has introduced several variations of the saloon and hatchback but now the long-awaited estate is here and it's going to be a big hit with active families.

With striking good looks combining with dynamic styling, the Cruze Station Wagon looks fabulous from every angle and despite its generous size it features sweeping streamlining with a roofline that tapers off to the rear.

Smart alloys, sleek light clusters, body-coloured door handles and door mirrors plus slim roof rails are all eye-catching features on this vehicle.

It really has a sporty, ready-for-action presence about it and that feel-good factor is just as apparent inside the vehicle with an excellent range of on-board features complimented by an impressive build quality throughout.

There is a modern feel to the interior with its part-woven styled dashboard and dual cockpit design.

There are three trim levels - LS, LT and LTZ NAV and prices range from £15,375 through to £19,785.

Entry level LS is available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and comes complete with air con, follow-me-home headlamps, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, front electric windows, cargo restraint hooks, remote central door locking, electronic boot release, ESC and traction control.

Step up to the LT model available with the 1.6-litre petrol, 1.8-litre petrol automatic or 1.7-litre diesel engines and you find the addition of a multi-function leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, cruise control, electric rear windows, front fog lamps and 16-inch alloys.

The top-of-the-range LTZ NAV trim is only available on the 1.7-litre diesel model and introduces a seven-inch colour display screen, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, electronic climate control, a self-dipping mirror, automatic lighting control, rear parking sensors with rear view camera and 17-inch alloys.

There is a MyLink infotainment system on some models which is a new feature to Chevrolet and brings smart phone capabilities into the vehicle. Connectivity is via a USB or Bluetooth for mass storage devices such as MP3 players, iPods and iPads etc.

Basically, if you've got a media device that you want to hook up to your car, the Cruze SW is more than capable.

So Chevrolet has already won over the modern day device enthusiast, next stop the family drivers.

Well, once again it's a winner because the Cruze SW is more than capable of transporting five adults in style and they can bring along all the luggage they want too because the generously-sized boot can hold 500 litres which is quickly extended to 1,478 litres with the 60/40 split folding rear seats folded flat.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of other storage options throughout the cabin, including an unusually positioned storage tray with three compartments between the rear seatbacks and the luggage cover, good-sized door pockets, an illuminated two-tiered glove-box, a small covered tray at the top of the dashboard and a bin between the front seats.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and the instrument cluster is clear and easy to read thanks to Chevrolet's trademark ice-blue backlighting and the ideal positioning of all dials and readouts.

The 1.7 diesel LT model priced at £18,925 was the real pick of the bunch and is predicted to be the biggest seller.

Equipped with stop/start technology this model achieves excellent fuel efficiency with a combined figure of approximately 62.8mpg and emissions of 119/km.

But despite the impressive economy, the car was certainly no slouch and can reach from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds with a top-out speed of 124mph. It may not be the fastest estate-sized model out of the blocks, but with this engine, it is the most frugal to ever power a Cruze model to date.

The car I tried came with a six-speed manual transmission which was smooth, efficient and responsive.

Road-holding was impressive and despite heavy rain storms, corning on tight bends was easily achieved without any slide whatsoever.

Cabin noise was fairly quiet, although there was a little engine noise at higher speeds, but with all that multi-media connectivity, that shouldn't be an issue!

Next up was the 1.8 LT petrol model with automatic gearbox priced at £18,075.

Although this car performed well on faster roads and winding country lanes, it was nowhere near as responsive or as much fun to drive as the 1.7 diesel model. And with fuel efficiency of approximately 40mpg and emissions of 170g/km it doesn't come close on the economy front either.

But make no mistake, this is still an excellent car. But if you want a more dynamic driving experience with a watchful eye on costs, then the 1.7 diesel is the perfect choice.

As one would expect, the Cruze SW is packed with quality safety specifications to help protect all occupants and, like its Cruze siblings, it is expected to be awarded the top mark of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings.

Features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear crush zones that collapse in a controlled manner and six airbags as standard.

Chevrolet wanted to continue the success story that is the Cruze and with the introduction of the station wagon which goes on sale in September, the loyal fan base looks set to grow a little stronger.