The findings, by valuation specialists CAP put the 128mph pocket rocket in third place behind the Audi Q5 and Skoda Yeti, with an average resale value of 60.0% of its list price, based on three years or 30,000 miles use.

It shows that Abarth’s plan to hold off depreciation as much as possible is working. Since its launch in July 2008, the performance arm of Fiat Group Automobiles has quickly established itself to be a desirable brand that people want to own and drive; not short-term nor highly discounted.

'Right from the start we had the plan to build in long-term value to the Abarth brand,' says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK. 'A sustainable cost of ownership is something we have always been able to offer Abarth drivers and, add to that the fact that the Abarth 500 is a timeless and highly attractive car, it’s no wonder that it has done so well in this important research.'

Powered by a 1.4-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine, the Abarth 500 delivers a maximum 135 bhp at 5500 rpm and has a peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb ft) at 3000 rpm, when "Sport" mode is deployed.

Built to Euro 5 environmental standards the Abarth 500 returns 43.4 mpg (Combined Cycle) and has CO2emissions of just 155g/km.