Let’s quickly run through this hatchback’s tick-list – electric windows, air conditioning, remote locking and cruise control with speed limiter. So that will be the top-of-the-range model specification then?

No, that’s what you get on the basic version. So whatever else, Chevrolet’s five-door Aveo is extremely well equipped.

And as well as high specification, the Aveo also delivers in terms of handling, with a surprisingly engaging drive on the open road for a small car that looks like it would be most at home in the city.

The car’s lively feel is backed up by electric power-steering and an electronic stability control system, which is fitted to all models.

There is also a decent range of engines. The test car used the 1.2-litre, 86 horsepower engine which sits perfectly in the car delivering excellent economy and enough zip to make the car fun. Other engine choices include a livelier 100 horsepower 1.4-litre petrol, which comes with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.3-litre turbocharged diesel, available in two power outputs.

Engine and wind noise are well suppressed, but the downside on the move is the level of road noise, which unsurprisingly becomes most intrusive at higher speeds.

If you can put up with the road rush, the Aveo is a properly practical little car with two gloveboxes, various compartments and door pockets, three cupholders and a decent boot, combined with 60:40 folding rear seat.

Safety is also catered for with anti-lock braking and brake assist, along with six airbags as standard.

The Aveo looks good too. At the front sits a large twin grille with centrally positioned badge and exposed, twin-tube, motorcycle-inspired headlamps, with high-gloss black bezels and chrome rings. As with the Chevrolet Spark, the rear door pull handles sit in the upper section of the door.

The interior, albeit a bit plasticky, is also nicely styled, with a distinctive dual-cockpit derived from the Chevrolet Corvette and a blue backlit instrument cluster that reflects the motorcycle theme on the exterior by incorporating a round speedometer and a digital LCD readout.

Prices start at about £10,000 for the 1.2 LS model, and as mentioned earlier, even in basic trim the Aveo comes with air-conditioning, cruise control, remote locking, a rear spoiler, CD-stereo radio, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors and electric front windows.

The mid-range test LT model adds extras like a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, driver information centre and Bluetooth phone compatibility with music streaming.

To top that off there is the five-year or and 100,000-mile warranty.