Ford retailers received a boost this week after a leading used car guide revealed three of its best selling models had firm residual values. CAP Black Book rates the Focus, Mondeo and Fiesta – all permanent fixtures in the list of top sellers – as strong used car performers.

Despite selling 131,684 Focuses last year, the model only depreciates by 6.42% over a one-year, 20,000-mile period. The Mondeo enjoys the best second hand value, losing just over 4% of its list price during the same period while the Fiesta drops 6.85%.

Both the Focus and Mondeo beat the aspirational BMW 3-series, which loses 12.56%. The solid VW Golf loses 4.83% while the Renault Megane fares well dropping 6.52%.

Volume carmakers have to balance a high number of new car sales with oversupply in the used market that can lead to drastic depreciation.

Black Book senior editor, Tony Styles, says: “We are all used to seeing strong residual values for cars like Golf and BMW 3-series, but Ford has succeeded in not only winning the battle for Britain's favourite new car but also produced two of the best used value performers.

“Mondeo's performance in achieving the lowest depreciation among the 10 biggest sellers is also remarkable. This sector has come under massive pressure as used car buyers switched into smaller cars or MPVs, reducing demand for the traditional fleet/family car.”