AT first sight the Chevrolet Aveo is a keenly priced, economical, family hatchback - but that's not the whole story.

For lurking behind the value-for-money price-tag and frugal fuel consumption there's a driver's car eager to strut its stuff.

Chevrolet have designed the Aveo to expand on the success of the first generation model and this equates to ride and handling you'd normally expect off a higher-priced and more obviously sporty vehicle.

Aimed at the young and, helpfully in my case, the young at heart, the latest Aveo is based on a new chassis that is one of the most rigid in the supermini sector, which, when combined with a modern suspension set-up and electric power steering delivers a stable ride, plenty of grip and precise cornering.

Electronic stability control is also included on all models emphasising the Aveo's comprehensive safety features which include six airbags and anti-lock braking with an electronic brake assist system.

Similarly there's nothing budget about the look of the Aveo which has a purposeful, assertive appearance and grounded posture.

The raked bodylines imply performance and the Aveo boasts a number of Chevrolet design cues such as the large grille and iconic badge sculpted into the crossbar.

The thing that caught my eye though was the exposed, round headlamps. They are devoid of the traditional lens cover and were inspired by the lighting seen on motorcycles.

Two dual tubes, with high-gloss black bezels and chrome rings, carry the lamps giving the Aveo a distinctive modern face.

The bonnet has a swept, aggressive appearance while the alloy wheels feature Chevrolet's five-spoke design.

The rear door handles are almost invisible so the Aveo manages to combine five-door functionality and coupe-like styling.

The interior is similarly well thought out featuring Chevrolet's dual-cockpit theme - originally a trademark of the Corvette. There's also a wraparound instrument panel that flows from the dash into the doors.

To the left and right of the instrument panel, circular air conditioning outlets stand proud of the panel surface.

The instrument cluster continues the motorcycle-inspired theme introduced by the vehicle's exterior. It incorporates a round analogue speedometer with a large digital display.

Both the instrument cluster and the integrated console design are illuminated with Chevrolet's ice-blue lighting - adding a classy touch to proceedings. A three-spoke steering wheel reinforces the theme of sporty refinement.

Generous storage space includes an under-seat pull-out drawer and a storage compartment beneath the boot floor. 

Luggage capacity is 290 litres with the rear seats up and 653 litres with them folded. To further enhance the Aveo's practicality, the front seats are fully adjustable.

The two-compartment upper glovebox has outlets for USB and auxiliary devices, so you can plug in your iPods, smart phones, and the many other electronic devices that infest the modern world these days.

The engine range includes 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines plus the super efficient 1.3-litre VCDi ‘eco' diesel with stop/start technology in the car I tested.

The oil burner is the first to appear in a small Chevrolet in Europe offering low carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy in excess of 70mpg.

It is the most economical version of the Aveo with carbon dioxide emissions below 100g/km meaning you'll not have to pay road tax.

Like a lot of other things about the Aveo it is something which will make its owners smile.