Replacing 2003 Ford Focus Estate: What would you suggest?

It's time to replace our 2003 Focus Estate, manual. We do c. 10,000 miles a year, about half of which is a on specific trip on M and A roads, often carting furniture. Our criteria are: estate with comfortable room for 5 people, seats-down capacity as good as the Focus, with good mpg and CO2 Tax. Plus a bit of comfort too - we are nearer 70 than 60, so seats and ease of entry are considerations! Any ideas, both new and used?

Asked on 19 June 2012 by RS, Shepherds Bush

Answered by Honest John
Take a look at and take a drive in a KIA cee'd 1.6 estate. If buying used it's worth mentioning that the 6 speed is much more relaxed on the motorway. The 5 speed is a bit undergeared, doing about 21mph per 1,000rpm compared to about 23.5mph per 1,000rpm in a 1.6 Focus.
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