AT first glance sticking a spoiler and body kit on a car that takes almost 13 seconds to reach 60mph might seem a pointless exercise.

Like fitting James Corden with a pair of running shoes in the hope it would instantly turn him into an Olympic sprinter.

Chevrolet, however, disagrees.

The company believes that beauty can indeed be skin deep and though it makes little of the car's performance, or lack of it, it thinks that smartening up the exterior will attract admirers.

Not only that, but the addition of front bumper and tailgate spoiler, side skirts and chrome exhaust finisher among other adornments, will cost the buyer a mere £500 on top of the list price.

As an added bonus, Chevrolet also chucks in metallic paint and a year's fully comprehensive insurance.

"That means that for £8,995 on the road, the Aveo with style accessory pack, is the ideal car for recent graduates or younger workers, who would otherwise pay more than the option price for their insurance alone," a company spokesman said.

It's a fair point, but, unfortunately, its not all good news.

The Aveo, which is the replacement for the Kalos, isn't really a driver's car, bodykit or no bodykit.

Progression around town is fine and you can make a sprightly enough exit from the lights, however, on the open road the speedometer takes an age to move around the dial.

Admittedly, you have to be realistic, but it is frustrating and makes you think twice about carrying out overtaking manoeuvres.

Foot to the floor, you wonder if you'll ever get to 70, but, that said, once there it does cruise OK and the noise from the engine does not intrude overly.

The steering can best be described as vague and quick changes of direction are to be undertaken with caution. Also, on more than the odd occasion I found the wheel lurching one way or the other when the car encountered a pot hole or other blemish in the road surface.

The Aveo's steering wheel is height adjustable, but I found real problems getting comfortable. Too close and my knees were up against the dash, too far and my arms were having to reach for the controls.

The controls themselves are all straightforward and easy to use, though the wipers and indicator stalks feel somewhat brittle to the touch.

The seating is comfortable enough and there's room in the rear to accommodate children with ease, though I fear it might be a different story for some adults.

The boot is not the biggest, but so long as you are not planning on going on holiday and packing the kitchen sink it is perfectly serviceable.

The market the Aveo is aimed at is incredibly congested and there are bigger players with better products, but if all you want is a good honest runabout then don't discount it entirely. Whether you want the bling that came with our test car is another matter.