Let's get one thing straight. When you hear about Chevrolets, forget about those macho sports cars and chunky jeeps from America. Think, instead, of rather more run-of-the-mill models.

I know it's not easy. Chevrolet conjures upimages of interesting models like Camaros, Corvettes and Silverados. But Chevrolet in the UK is the modern-day name for cars which used to be Daewoos. That'll be the Chevrolet, as they might say in their updated advertisements.

The marque is part of the General Motors empire which now encompasses Vauxhall, Saab and American brands, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer.

Chevrolets role is to provide the cheaper, everyday models.

Soyou have to get used to seeing Chevrolet Matiz, Lacetti, Kalos and Captiva. Some of those may be familiar under the old Daewoo brand but Captiva, for example, is a new sports utility (that's jeep, to you or I). However, one of the most impressive models is the Lacetti Station Wagon (that's estate, inEnglish). It's a robust, neat, well-engineered and pleasant-to-drive car which won't break the bank.

Compact estates are a little thin on the ground, having taken a walloping from mini people-carriers which seem to be the answer to everything.

But forget the Station Wagon nonsense, this an estate full stop. Station Wagon might sound more interesting (I'm not sure it does, but that presumably is the logic behind it) but all you need to know is that this is a car well capable of lugging your luggage.

It holds 1,410 litres of cargo which is on apar with a Ford Focus estate, which costs more.

It costs £12,995 (What Car? say you should beat the dealer down to £11,972, which would make it a very good buy).

For that, you get alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD system and anti-lock brakes. There's only one real shortcoming, and that's the limited choice.

Lacetti comes as a 1.6 SX at £11,095 and the test version 1.8 Sport. Having said that, the Sport model is the much more interesting for only a little more money.

The later chooses itself, not only because of its more generous levels of standard kit but also because the subtle bodykit, attractive alloy wheels and lower ride height. Factor in the car's clean exterior lines and there's much to like about this Lacetti.

In keeping with the compact name tag, the Lacetti's cabin boasts just enough room. That said, rear legroom is agreeable, headroom acceptable and the driving position should suit most.

The car's fascia is modest, too. Far from resulting in a drab outcome, the uncluttered cockpit and its controls only serve tocompliment Chevrolet's honest, down-to-earth approach.

The slightly lowered sport suspension certainly helps make the car feel plantedat speed, however you rarely notice the firm ride around town.

For £12,995 - or less, if you're a good negotiator - it's hard to come up with anything better.

PRICE: £12,995 What Car? say £11,972 is possible.

ENGINE: A 1.8 litre unit generating 120bhp through front wheel drive.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 112mph, 0 to 60mph in 9.5 secs.

EMISSIONS: 183g/km.

COSTS: City 28.5mpg; country 47.8mpg; combined 38.1mpg.

WARRANTY: Three years or 60,000 miles.

INSURANCE: Group 9.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer