Some GEN-2 models could half in value in the first year alone. This price slump should alarm potential owners. If you can afford the depreciation or intend to keep it for many years, running costs aren’t otherwise too bad. In particular, those on a very tight budget should go for the GEN-2 Persona ecoLogic which runs on petrol and cheaper LPG to chop owners’ fuel bills in half.

Manual models return almost 40mpg (automatics are a little thirstier) while road tax and insurance costs are average. Go easy on it, and maintenance bills should be low, too.

Emissions are in-line with rivals. As the dual fuel Ecologic runs on LPG, it has lower CO2 emissions and will be cheaper to tax. The standard manual 1.6-litre emits 157g/km of CO2, while the automatic releases 160g/km CO2. It’s worth noting that the line-up is absent of diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

The GEN-2 Persona doesn’t feel tough enough to cope with family life, as the interior build quality is poor and the cheap plastics aren’t hard-wearing. For reassurance, Proton has backed it up with an extensive warranty, which covers the engine and bodywork for six years. Three years’ free roadside assistance cover is thrown in too.