Chevrolet Aveo hatchback• Chevrolet Aveo from £9,995
• Choice of two petrol and two diesel engines
• Tax-free 95g/km of CO2 diesel

The latest Chevrolet Aveo supermini will arrive in showrooms in January 2012, priced from £9,995.

It goes head-to-head with the Kia Rio and will provide a stylish and affordable alternative to the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 207, Vauxhall Corsa and Citroen C3.

It takes over from the original Aveo which went on sale from 2008, and is available with either a 1.2-litre petrol with 85bhp or a 1.4-litre with 100bhp.

Diesel lovers can choose between a 1.3-litre motor with 74 or 94bhp. All models are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, but the 1.4-litre petrol also has the option of a six-speed automatic.

A 1.3-litre Ecodiesel model will be available with emissions of 95g/km of CO2, making it exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge.

There are three trim levels called LS, LT and LTZ. The basic model gets remote locking, spoiler, CD/radio, electric heated door mirrors and electric front windows.

The LT model adds 15-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, air-con, four-way adjustable drivers’ seat, sunglasses holder, trip computer, Bluetooth connection and chrome interior trim. It’s priced from £10,995.

A leather steering wheel, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors and automatic headlamps give the top LTZ model some features more often seen in larger cars, from £12,195.

By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist