The publication’s researchers analysed costs for 10 of the most popular cars in the UK across eight regions and found an average gap of £126 between the cheapest and most expensive services.

Scottish and Welsh motorists enjoy the cheapest prices in the UK on average (£210 and £217 respectively), while the South East is the most expensive region, with an average cost of £244.

In some cases, the difference in costs by region meant that car owners willing to shop around and travel could still make significant savings.

Emma Butcher, consumer editor of What Car?, said: ‘Just remember that nearest can also be dearest – just because your local dealer is more convenient doesn’t mean it will be most cost-effective.’

Among the 10 models analysed, even different vehicles built in the same factory, or with the same mechanical underpinnings, generated varying service costs.

The Audi A3, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf share many components, including engines, but What Car? found that it costs almost two-thirds (62%) more on average to service an A3 over an Octavia. In Wales, that increase in cost leapt to 93%.