Good fuel economy and cheap insurance help to keep running costs down; parts and servicing costs will stay competitive to please fleet users. Depreciation will always be a problem, so carefully maintained two- and three-year old cars are the best buys for long-term ownership.

Astra performs well on the eco front. With an average of 161 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are relatively low for a small family estate. 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 1.7-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 42 mpg.

Certainly better than the previous Astra, and the much improved build quality bodes well for the future. These fourth generation cars seem to have shaken off the engine niggles that gave older Astras such a patchy reputation.