2007 Chevrolet Lacetti Diesel

The new engine features the latest Bosch-developed common-rail injection system, which injects fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar, while a lightweight alloy cylinder head and a balancer shaft help aid refinement and responsiveness.

Delivering impressive performance and fuel economy, the lively TCDi engine allows the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 9.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph, returning a combined fuel economy figure of 58.8mpg in the Lacetti five-door hatchback and 52.3mpg in the larger Lacetti Station Wagon.

The Euro IV compliant unit also offers impressively low carbon dioxide emissions, with a CO2 figure of just 149g/km for the five-door hatch and 158g/km for the Wagon, meaning the newcomer will appeal as much to fleets as it will to cost-conscious private buyers.

Prices and trim levels will be announced nearer to the new models’ on sale date in 2007. But one thing’s for sure – the diesel variants will add even more appeal to the great value Lacetti line-up, over 160,000 of which have been sold across Europe since its introducti`on in 2003.