Depreciation is quite high, but service intervals are widely spaced and running costs are low, helped by low insurance groups (especially on the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre models). Trips to the pumps should be few and far between for diesel owners as the dCi models are capable of returning an impressive 67mpg.

The Clio is eco-friendly and easy on the environment. With an average of 134g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are comparably low for a supermini. Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.5-litre dCi with 68bhp – it emits just 115g/km of CO2 (making to cheap to tax) and can average 65mpg.

Clio has proven to be fairly dependable mechanically, so while the interior may become a little tatty in time, it is likely to keep on running. When buying, be sure to check for electric niggles with the windows, immobiliser and CD player – these are common faults. There was also the now infamous bonnet fault which affected the bonnet catches on all Mk2 Clio’s (from 1998 to 2005) where there were reports of bonnets flying open while the cars were being driven.

Renault said there was nothing wrong with the bonnet catches on Clio models, but offered to inspect and remedy all cars for free.