We are trading down from our Mercedes-Benz CLK to a smaller car at my wife’s request. We would like four doors, a manual transmission, a diesel engine, a bit of get-up-and-go and more of a hatch back than a boot.

I have always believed in Ford engineering and wonder about a Focus. She is hankering after a Golf, but I believe recent models do not have the presence of the earlier ones.

We usually buy two to three years old with 10 to 20k miles on the clock.
What other makes/models would you suggest we consider please?

Thoroughly enjoy your journalism in the DT and your website.