Chevrolet Spark and Cruze

The Chevrolet Spark goes on sale this winter, with the promise of delivering 'outstanding passenger space, entertaining driving characteristics and extraordinary value for money'.

The Matiz replacement needs to deliver, as cash-strapped Chevrolet is pinning a lot of its hopes for the future on the international success of the Spark.

UK cars will be powered by 65bhp 1.0- and 77bhp 1.2-litre petrol engines. No exact economy figures have been released, but Chevrolet says both will manage at least 56mpg and emit less than 120g/km.

The Spark has 170 litres of boot space with the seats up, and 994 litres of space if the 60:40 folding rear seats are down.

The Spark is based on Chevrolet's Beat concept car, which has been shown at various motor shows already, most recently in Detroit.

The Chevrolet Spark video
• See our Chevrolet Spark video review here

Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet is also displaying the four-door Cruze small family car, which will go on sale this summer.

Available with 111bhp 1.6- or 138bhp 1.8-litre petrol engines, plus a 147bhp 2.0-litre diesel, Chevrolet says the Cruze will have 'excellent dynamics, passenger comfort and build quality'.

Buyers will be able to opt for a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic on the petrol models. The diesel will only be available with the manual gearvbox.

The 1.6-litre petrol will be available on base LS models only, while the 1.8-litre petrol will be available to LS and higher LT spec buyers. The diesel will only be available on LT models. Exact trim specs have yet to be revealed.

A 123bhp diesel engine is expected to join the range at a later date.

Prices and full specifications of the Spark and Cruze models will be revealed closer to their on-sale dates.