TAKING long trips in comfort is one of the key attributes of the Chevrolet Lacetti four-door saloon. It is extremely spacious and offers the most rear legroom in its class. The elegant, sporty design by Pininfarina, the wide-ranging comfort and safety features and very favourable prices make this model a particularly attractive proposition for single-car families and user-choosers.

New name for familiar package The Chevrolet Lacetti saloon is a new model in the Chevrolet range. Detailed design upgrades include new style door handles and a modified grille which brings a 'family look' face to all Lacetti models.

The saloon range features two powerful 16V four-cylinder engines. The Lacetti 1.6 SX (£10,495) produces 80kW/109 hp and has a maximum speed of 116 mph with moderate consumption of 39.8 mpg (MVEG combined). The Lacetti 1.8 CDX (£11,995) generates 90 kW/122 hp, has a top speed of 121 mph and an average consumption of 37.7 mpg. This engine can be ordered with a modern, automatic four-speed transmission from ZF (£12,995).

Its style is characterised by strong, clearly defined contours. From the side, it is dominated by its wedge shape and clearly accentuated shoulders. The roof line drops down to the high rear section almost like that of a coupe, and the prominent wheel arches give the car a solid stance.

Comprehensive features, crisp style The face of the Chevrolet Lacetti clearly distinguishes it as a member of the current UK Chevrolet line-up. Its personality is shaped by the crease lines on the bonnet converging towards the front of the car, and continuing over the family look chrome grille all the way down to the front apron.

The interior is dominated by subdued elegance and a touch of luxury. This is particularly apparent on the CDX trim level. A wide strip of walnut-look veneer surrounds the cockpit on three sides. All the key information for the driver is accommodated in three circular instruments. The audio unit and the controls for the air-conditioning are easy to reach for the driver and passenger in the centre console.

The standard equipment of the Lacetti leaves little to be desired, even in the entry-level SX version. It includes power windows at the front, central locking, an electric remote release for the boot, height-adjustable driver's seat, adjustable steering wheel angle and electrically operated door mirrors. In the CDX, which has the more powerful 1.8-litre engine, the equipment is nothing short of luxurious. The audio system includes a five-disc CD changer and steering-wheel remote controls.

The 1.8 CDX also has speed-sensitive power-steering. In bad weather, fog lamps and a rain sensor for the windscreen wipers ensure great visibility. Quietly comfortable. The Lacetti has McPherson struts with gas pressure shock absorbers on all four wheels. An A-frame arm takes over the lower wheel control while at the back two additional wishbones and a trailing arm link the wheels precisely to the chassis. Four disc brakes guarantee good deceleration. A standard state-of-the-art four-channel ABS by Bosch effectively prevents the wheels from locking. There is also an integrated electronic brake-power distribution system.

The emphasis on the passengers' well-being also shows in the extensive noise insulation as well as in a number of other details. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:60 split and the numerous storage places include cupholders in the front central console, pockets on the outsides of the front seats, compartments in all four doors and a ticket clip in the driver's sun visor.

Chevrolet's complete care package - cost effective ownership. Like the rest of the Chevrolet range, Lacetti four-door models benefit from Chevrolet's complete care package, with three years free servicing, comprehensive warranty and AA Total recovery service. The Chevrolet range is available throughout the UK from nearly 90 retailers.