The fact that diesel models are no more expensive than petrol models, and the Wagon is the same price as the saloon, means the BLS is pretty good value. However with a handful of dealers, you may have to travel when it comes to servicing or repairs. Insurance ratings are quite high too – between group 15 and 17 but the diesel models are frugal.

The more powerful 1.9-litre diesel is actually the cleanest engine in the BLS Wagon line-up and can return 48mpg while emitting 156g/km of CO2. Cadillac also offers a petrol engine that can run on up to 85% bioethanol – fuel made from crops which offset the carbon dioxide emissions vehicles produce as they grow – although the network of filling stations in the UK where bioethanol is available is very small.

The Saab 9-3 which the BLS Wagon is based on has proved a reliable car on the whole with only a few minor problems on early cars. All the engines in the line-up have been well-proven in other GM cars.