Chevrolet Cruze

Surprised to see Chevrolet in this test? Don’t be, because the ambitious Korean-owned US brand is confident in its product and aiming to steal a march on rivals. Leading the charge to tempt buyers into the showroom is the firm’s recently launched – and free – Five-Year Promise. If you want pure peace of mind, few of the other aftersales packages come close.

It includes a mechanical warranty that covers you for an impressive five years, or 100,000 miles, but what’s really striking is that, in addition, Chevrolet throws in breakdown cover and servicing for the same 60-month period. And if that wasn’t enough, bosses are also including free annual inspections and a guaranteed MoT test pass until the car’s fifth birthday.

Apply this deal to the Cruze and you’ll get one of the most cost-effective family cars you can find. Based on the same platform as the latest Vauxhall Astra, the Chevy is agile, comfortable and refined. The pick of the engine line-up is the punchy 2.0-litre diesel. However, you’ll have to be quick if you want to take advantage of this low- hassle deal, because the exceptional Five-Year Promise offer expires on 16 December 2010.