Chevrolet Trax running costs are key to its appeal as not only is the compact SUV good value to buy, but it should prove cheap to run too.

There’s only three engines to choose from, and it’s the 1.6-litre petrol that we’d steer clear of if costs are a priority – not only is it the slowest of the trio, but the least economical too.

If you do desire a petrol then the 1.4-litre Turbo is the plum choice, with decent acceptable performance mixed with decent economy and low fuel costs.

But as is so often the way, it’s the 1.7-litre diesel that make the most sense when keeping costs low. With an official combined economy of over 60mpg available, and a 53-litre tank, a range of over 700 miles is theoretically possible. All models are group 15 or below in terms of insurance too.

At least with Chevrolet’s five-year warranty and one year’s roadside assistance you can rest easy that there’s not likely to be any major financial costs as the years and miles pass under the Trax’s wheels.

Apart from the 1.6-litre petrol, which pumps out a not unreasonable 153g/km, Chevrolet Trax emissions are all below 150g/km.

By far the most clean-burning is the 120g/km 1.7-litre diesel in front wheel drive form with the six-speed manual gearbox, while adding four wheel drive adds another 9g/km to that figure. Stick with front-wheel drive but add the automatic gearbox and this jumps to 139g/km though.

Otherwise there’s the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol model, which with four-wheel drive emits 149g/km.

Chevrolet Trax reliability isn’t likely to be too much of a worry. With much of its electronics, engines and chassis components shared with other GM products, including the Vauxhall Mokka.

There’s certainly been no recalls as of yet, and the 1.7-litre diesel engine in particular can trace its roots back further than most. The cabin’s set up to deal with the rigours of family life too, and should prove hard wearing – even if some of the plastics were showing light scratches on our example already.