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Which automatic diesel MPV for comfort, carrying grandchildren and a dog?

My wife currently runs a 2007 SAAB 9-3 SW diesel autobox which has done 55,000 miles. If we replace this we are trying to build a shortlist. She has had five back operations and the SAAB seats are superb, so we are looking for good heated seats, cruise control, automatic gearbox, very quiet, diesel and big enough for the grandchildren and a dog. I will also use the car for long runs and find the tyre roar from the SAAB tiring, but much better on the superb Cooper winter tyres.

Asked on 4 July 2012 by IT, via email

Answered by Honest John
Check out a Ford C-Max, Grand C-Max or S-Max with Powershift. Obviously the ride quality depends on wheels and tyres, so 16-inch wheels with deep profile tyres will give a much better ride than 18-inch with low profile tyres.
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