Aveo owners should enjoy relatively low running costs as both engines are frugal, affordable to insure and quite green. That means cheap road tax – though a diesel option would have lowered costs further. For added protection against costly repairs, new buyers can purchase a three-year 30,000 or 60,000-mile servicing package.

Go for the 1.2-litre engine to be greenest, as it emits 132g/km CO2 and returns the best fuel economy (52mpg). An automatic transmission tends to increase emissions and the Aveo is no different, so opt for the manual gearbox if you’re conscious of the environment.

Much of the Aveo’s underpinnings are inherited from the ageing Chevrolet Kalos and it uses the older Vauxhall Corsa’s petrol engines, too. The technology may be getting on a bit, but reports of major problems with the Kalos are rare, while sister-company Vauxhall has a good reputation for mechanical reliability. The interior feels strong enough to withstand wear-and-tear plus all models are protected by a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty.