The Cruze is a major leap forward for Chevrolet in the UK and has been hailed as the most important model launch for the brand since its UK inception in 2005.

And for fleets looking for a replacement for the Lacetti they’ll be pleased to know that things that desperately needed addressing, such as interior quality, have been given the attention they deserve.

The new Cruze kick-starts a three-pronged brand overhaul for Chevrolet, which will see the Spark supermini introduced later this year and a new seven-seat MPV called Orlando arrive in the summer of 2010.

Bold American influence on the Cruze’s styling is more apparent than previous Chevrolet models and it’s the carmaker’s intention for the new model to be used as a global product.

It’s built on GM’s Delta platform which will also form the basis for the forthcoming Vauxhall Astra later this year.

Both will compete in the lower-medium market sector, with Chevrolet seeing its main rivals being the Skoda Octavia, Mazda3, Renault Megane, Mitsubishi Lancer and Ford Focus.

However, rather than offering the more desirable hatchbacks, Chevrolet will offer the Cruze only as a saloon.

The centre console and layout of the Cruze’s interior takes inspiration from the Vauxhall Insignia and moves the Cruze away from the bargain bin looks of the past.

Despite the enhancement, there’s still a lot of hard grey plastics on show but it’s a vast improvement over the Lacetti.

Customers get a choice of four engines – 1.6-litre 111bhp and 1.8-litre 139bhp petrols, plus two diesels, both 2.0 litres and with a choice of 123bhp or 148bhp.

A four-speed automatic transmission is limited to an optional extra on the petrol models.

The base spec 1.6 S is a good starting point with remote central locking, follow-me-home lighting, CD-radio system, electric front windows, adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. It’s a £400 hike for air conditioning.

The LS trim level, expected to be the best-seller in the range, starts at £12,595 for the 1.6-litre manual and includes air conditioning as standard, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome-edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

The flagship will be the LT, which comes in 1.8-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel guise.

It gets cruise control, climate control, upgraded stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.

Chevrolet expects to sell 2,000 units in the UK in its first full year of sales (and 800 in the remainder of this year), with 30% of those going to fleet.

Although not a huge fleet share, it is a significantly higher percentage than Chevrolet has previously enjoyed with its models.

Initially, a few models will be released to daily rental companies, primarily to increase the car’s presence among buyers, although this will not form a large – or long-term – part of the Cruze’s sales plan.

The manufacturer will be playing the value for money card with fleet buyers, keen to stress to user-choosers that the equipment and comfort is high for a car in this price bracket.

A spokesman added: “The Cruze is a coherent package – it’s modern, dynamic and is the most impressive potential fleet package we have yet offered.”

The Cruze is also a much more credible prospect than the Lacetti in terms of the potential for enticing customers to the brand or even converting buyers that are considering a cheaper alternative.

Prices start at £11,545 which puts the Cruze firmly at the value end of the market.

Chevrolet will be continuing with the Lacetti for another year and won’t be offering an estate version of the Cruze.

Verdict

Improved styling, plenty of equipment and keen pricing put the Cruze in a strong position to offer user-choosers a value for money option.