For R187 000 you'll get some change plus a car that's an attractive value-for-money package.
Chevrolet's Cruze (the LS I drove) is a nicely put together, well-designed family sedan, which should definitely warrant a second look from buyers in this size and price category.
With the distinctive Chev bowtie on the trim at each end, it holds plenty of appeal for women seeking something with style, space and comfort. It boasts clean, uncluttered (good) looks, and lovely wide headlights that wrap around the front of the car.
It's no great shakes for the wannabe boy racers - the 83kW, 1.6-litre engine isn't overwhelmingly powerful - but it's a solid, nicely designed product that will keep most women drivers more than happy.
Smooth, with a nice firm suspension, and blissfully quiet, the Cruze has a very attractive interior layout. Check out the clever and attractive trim, almost like a tweed, which extends from the fascia along the driver and passenger doors.
There's no stinting on the seats, either, which are nice and comfy, and I loved the neat and chunky steering wheel. You'll also find a nifty eyewear holder above the driver's door - but no vanity mirror, oddly.
The launch of this latest global model from Chevrolet has opened up a new segment in the local passenger car market for GM SA.
The dinky and hugely popular Spark has been ruling the roost in its segment for years, while the awesome Lumina and the Ute are highly respected.
Now the Cruze is set to establish a toehold in the very competitive C segment.
There are four models in the line-up and they're all well specced; even the base model includes standard features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, power steering, tilt-adjustable steering column, height-adjustable driver's seat, power windows front and rear, power side mirrors, aircon, remote central door locking, and a radio/CD combination with RDS and auxiliary input for an MP3 player or iPod.
I Cruzed on a long drive down the South Coast, snaking along the old main roads in some places, and enjoyed the car immensely, although as I said, it ain't no jet car!
But there was plenty of leg room for me and three passengers, cup holders, the sound system was great, and on a sweltering day here in the tropics, the aircon, which worked overtime, was terrific.
The LS has a five-speed, ultra-smooth, manual gearbox, and a full-sized spare tyre.
Your Cruze comes with a five-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year, unlimited distance, anti-corrosion warranty. Included in the purchase price is a three-year or 60 000km service plan.