The production model...

The production model draws heavily on the M3X concept that appeared at last September"s Paris Motor Show. Bosses at parent firm GM are keen to stress that while the design is fresh, the overall shape and many of the styling cues will be familiar. Size-wise, the newcomer is exactly the same length as the outgoing model, at 3.50 metres.

At the front, the "smiley" bonnet line between the round headlamps is gone, replaced by more modern light clusters with the repeaters at the base and a horizontal shutline. Below, the slatted airdam is virtually identical, although the driving lamps at either end have been redesigned. At the back, there"s an all-new look, with round lights and a restyled bumper. In profile, the doors look very similar, but note how the base line of the windows rises up near the A-pillar to house the mirror. That"s a feature carried over from the M3X, as is the way the roofline now dips slightly towards the rear. On the current Matiz, it"s completely flat.

The top-spec SX model seen here is equipped with roof bars, but they won"t appear on the UK version, or on the entry-level SE. A choice of two engines will be offered on the newcomer: an 800cc three-cylinder 52bhp unit and a 1.0-litre 66bhp four-cylinder.

That"s the same line-up as the outgoing model"s, but there are changes under the bonnet to boost performance. Fuel consumption is said to be around 15 per cent better than before.

No pictures of the cabin are available yet, but a Chevrolet spokeswoman said: "It"s a completely different interior - much funkier. The dials are central, and there"s extra storage space to create a more user-friendly package."