Many top choices were also diesel powered, with mainstream models often outperforming exotics.

EurotaxGlass's found that after 12 months, the Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TDI Sport was worth an average 94 per cent of its new value, with only the Ferrari F430 Spider depreciating less at 97 per cent.

This put the VW ahead of models like the Aston Martin DB9 Volante (82 per cent), Mini 1.6 Cooper S (85 per cent) and BMW Z4 (75 per cent).

“This analysis offers some start examples of how patterns of supply and demand are challenging the market's preconceptions of which cars hold their values best,” said EurotaxGlass's senior car editor Jeff Paterson.

He pointed out that residuals for the Vauxhall Astra Twin Top and Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet were stronger than the Audi TT.

The Vauxhall was amongst a number of diesel powered convertibles in the survey. These included the Peugeot 206 and BMW 330Cd.

Despite the VW Eos's strong showing, EurotaxGlass's suggested dealer feedback showed some buyer resistance to it and some rival's metal roof, coupe-convertible formats, as these were less obviously convertible cars when their roofs were raised.