So, these newcomers from Chevrolet think they can make a mark in the UK?

Well, yes, actually. Although Chevrolet is small beer in the UK it is one of the world’s major motoring marques.

It’s 101 years old, no less, and is the fourth biggest brand in the world. Staggered? I was! The fact is that Chevrolet is big business in America but less of a force in Europe, but that’s something Andy Higgins is working hard to rectify.

He’s the Manchester-born managing director of Chrysler in the UK and he outlined his plans to make the marque expand in, of all places, Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.

Chevrolet has signed a major sponsorship deal with the football giants and, together with important new models, it hopes this partnership will help Chevy to prosper.

Of course, marketing is good, but it’s also important to have the right models. Enter, the Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon.

Sports Wagon? That’s estate to you or I. And there is evidence that the UK is following the European trend of regarding estates, station wagons or SWs, as good.

For too long, it seems, estates in the UK have been looked down upon as dowdy and dull.

Not so in Europe where they are synonymous with active lifestyles.

By introducing a SW version of the familiar Cruze, Chevrolet have broadened their appeal to new customers. Cruze Station Wagon aims to build on the reputation of the Cruze hatch and saloon which has been a quiet success in recent years, helping to establish Chevrolet as a rising star in the European car market.There are other models, too, such as Aveo supermini, Spark city car, Captiva crossover and Orlando people-carrier, plus the outrageous Camaro muscle-car which is there largely as a ‘halo’ car.

So, how does Cruze SW measure up? It has the benefit of a fine new engine, a 1.7 litre diesel with a turbocharger as start-stop system as standard.

It is flexible, economical and refined, returning more than 62mpg on a combined run and 0 to 60mph time of ten seconds. There are other engines, 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol and a 2.0 litre diesel, but the 1.6 turbodiesel is the one to go for, offering the best of all worlds. Cruze SW starts at £15,375 and comes with a choice of three trim levels, the confusingly named LT, LS and LTZ.

The LT is the entry-level which comes with air conditioning, electric front windows and remote central locking.

The LT adds alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors and leather trim, while the LTZ adds Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, satellite navigation and a rear parking camera.

It’s an interesting car and very well put-together, giving rivals a run for their money in terms of style, quality and running costs. It’s easy to see why Chevrolet is doing so well at the moment. In 2011 it increased sales in 20 markets. In Europe, sales rose by 8.5 per cent. Good as the cars are, its the warranty which may prove the key to this car’s success.

It comes with a five-year guarantee which is important when you look at Kia and Hyundai’s warranties. Cruze is a neat car with much to commend it and the addition of a Station Wagon adds to the appeal.