Most iconic motoring brands conjure up an instant vehicle vision. For me, the name Chevrolet means big, bold and brash.

It's a shock to find the name fixed to the rear of one of the quintessential round-town tiddlers, the Matiz.

A product of Korean car company Daewoo, the Matiz is one of the models rebranded for the UK by Chevrolet's parent company, General Motors, which swallowed Daewoo when it hit financial trouble.

Anxious to get a foothold here, Chevrolet has used the rebranded Daewoo models to give it an instant sales base.

So, apart from the badges, how has the Matiz changed? From the driver's point of view, the most obvious change is actually invisible to an onlooker.

Compared to the Daewoo version, the Chevrolet Matiz is much better to drive. The car delivers a far superior ride and handling.

Another bonus is the power-assisted steering which, with a tight turning circle, makes the little car perfect for scuttling around town.

And it is around town where the restyled Matiz really scores. A high driving position, low waistline and slim pillars make the Matiz easy to manage in tight spots.

Four wide opening doors and low sills mean easy access even in the tightest of car parks and once inside there is plenty of room for four adults, or three teenage children across the back seat, each safely strapped into three-point seatbelts. There's even a simple plug-in device for a child seat.

There are plenty of places to hold bits and bobs drinks holders, glovebox, trays for maps, CDs and so on. The SE test model also comes with a seat-back pocket. Other goodies include electric front windows, driver's seat height adjustment, internally adjustable door mirrors, useable door pockets for driver and passenger and two additional speakers in the rear.

There is a seat undertray on the passenger's side, a useful home for the handbook pack, winter ice scraper and other items.

The 51 horsepower 800cc version, which is priced at just over £6,000, is fine for urban work, but if you plan to venture on to motorway, the 1.0-litre engine version will be much less stressful.

To complete the new look there are some fresh, bright new body colours such as Apple Green, Electric Yellow, Jazz Blue and Peach Orange. Big it might not be, but it can still be pretty brash.

Auto facts Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE

  • Price: £6,595
  • Insurance group Two
  • Fuel consumption Combined 50.4mpg
  • Top speed 97mph
  • Length 349.5cm/137.6in
  • Width 149.5cm/58.8in
  • Luggage capacity Six cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity 7.7 gallons/35 litres
  • CO2 emissions 139g/km
  • Warranty 3 years/60,000 miles