If you want fewer trips to the filling station, it’s hardly surprising to discover that the diesel is the one to go for. It’s claimed to average 52.3mpg.

Next best in the line-up for Subaru XV running costs is the now discontinued 1.6-litre CVT petrol that returns a claimed 44.8mpg. The five-speed manual returns fractionally less, at 43.5mpg. The 2.0-litre petrol CVT averages 43.5mpg and the six-speed manual returns 40.4mpg.

Insurance costs, however, will be reasonable and with the Subaru ETC after-care package your maintenance costs are covered.

The most planet-friendly version is the 2.0-litre diesel, which emits 141g/km of CO2. All petrol models come with stop/start and if you are determined to get a 2.0-litre petrol version, go for the one with the CVT. That emits 151g/km of CO2.

The 2.0-litre six-speed petrol emits CO2 at a rate of 160g/km. The 1.6-litre with the five-speed manual is rated at 151g/km.

The Subaru XV should prove to be a reliable car. Like other Japanese car manufacturers Subaru has a strong reliability record. The boxer engine is bulletproof, and inside the car looks robust and built to last.

From 2011, Subaru’s ETC (Everything Taken Care of) after-care package was included, which was potentially worth up to £7,240 of repair costs and other maintenance. For three years Subaru offered to repair minor dents and scrapes up to £3,000 on top of the normal warranty cover. Other extras such as car collection for servicing, winter tyre storage even alloy wheel repairs were covered.

In 2013, this aftercare package was replaced by a longer warranty up to five years/100,000 miles from three years/60,000 miles.