Hi Lisa,

Well, if the mileage thing relates to whether your V40 R-Design was going to be petrol or diesel, don’t let that put you off per se – Volvo does some nice turbocharged petrol engines if you’re a lower-mileage user that would make sense. However, the V40 is due for replacement soon, so there’s that to consider in terms of its future residual values.

But with your budget, your hatchback options on the used car market are nearly endless: the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, Opel Astra, Hyundai i30, Skoda Octavia, Peugeot 308, Mazda3, SEAT Leon, BMW 1 Series and previous-generation Mercedes A-Class are all, in a variety of mileages and trims, well within your budget. And all of them are very good cars, one way or another.

Of these, a Golf is always stylish and reliable, an A3 even more so, but – despite the fact it is getting on a bit – we’ve always loved the sharp-suited SEAT Leon and there’s a wide array of silky-smooth petrol engines available in the Spanish car if you check it out, so give it a whirl. The Peugeot, Mazda, Skoda and the Opel also have their strengths, but one of the newest models here is a solid all-rounder with a long manufacturer warranty that you could benefit from as a used buyer: the i30.

It’s not the most exciting thing to drive, but it looks nice and is very easy-going, while there’s a useful 1.6 CRDi diesel engine or a couple of lively T-GDi petrols to choose from. Don’t like the appearance of the hatchback model? Then the rakish Fastback version might appeal, as it preserves a lot of the practicality while adding a dash of rakish style.