Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4TSI SE

Resale values are a key factor in determining the running costs of any new car; if it holds on to its value well, you’ll minimise depreciation, which is one of the biggest costs facing motorists.

So while plenty of cabriolets are cheaper to buy, the VW Golf is incredibly cost-effective. Why? Well, it’s a brand new design of a very desirable model, which makes for strong residual value forecasts.

You’ll pay less to run a Renault Wind or Fiat 500C, but in our opinion neither provides a proper wind-in-the-hair experience; the Wind is effectively a targa-topped roadster and the 500C essentially has a full-length sunroof. For a proper convertible experience, the Golf wins the day – and it’s a four-seater, too.

Best of all, the VW is the class leader, so as well as undercutting its Peugeot 308 CC and Audi A3 rivals on running costs, it trumps them on the road.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine provides brisk performance and SE trim ensures you’ll have all the kit you need, including climate control and parking sensors front and rear. The entry-level model is cheaper still (at 40.8ppm), but we think it’s worth spending the extra on the SE for the additional equipment it comes with.

Helping to keep running costs so firmly under the cosh is VW’s great-value three-year fixed-price servicing deal (£299). Plus, the powerful twin-charged 1.4-litre petrol engine emits only 150g/km of CO2 – not bad for a car capable of going from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds.

Details

WHY: Pence per mile: 42.6