Not especially cheap to buy, and we’d anticipate a bit of a depreciation hit although it ought to fair better than the average rep-mobile. The engines are pretty economical, especially the diesels, and servicing costs are normally reasonable too.

Toledo scores well on the eco front. With an average of 172 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are quite low for a medium-sized hatchback. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.9-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 43 mpg.

It uses as the 2004 Vokswagen GOlf and 2003 Audi A3 to name but a few, and all the engines have proved themselves in other VW applications.