It can be difficult to find a car that will suit two drivers of differing heights, so if possible the best approach would be to ensure both you and your wife have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of any prospective purchase and go for a test drive, ensuring both of you can get comfortable and control the car easily.

We would suggest looking at the Kia Ceed, which has a relatively high-set driving position for a hatchback and is available with a petrol engine and manual gearbox, or the Hyundai Kona. The Kona also has a high driving position, but is available in petrol, hybrid and electric forms. Although you say you would prefer a manual, an automatic may prove easier for your wife to drive if there is no clutch pedal to operate. The hybrid version would would give you better fuel consumption on short journeys than the pure petrol engine too.