Insurance is pricey, servicing reasonable, diesels are very economical. Re-sale values are strong on most models.

Leon is an environmentally friendly choice for green buyers. With an average of 170 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are quite low for a small family 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.

Mechanicals are excellent, but there are reported problems with loose interior trim and build quality issues, but these are mainly restricted to early cars.