In all honesty, you need to drive them, and see what YOU think.

Some people hate and can't get comfortable with the (slightly) off-set pedals in various BMWs. Reviews often mention it as a problem. But I've owned several, of various types (we currently have a 3 series and a Z4 in our household, both of which I drive regularly), and have never found it to be a problem at all.

The only one of those you list that I've driven is the Civic (2006-2011 model). Which was a works pool car, and absolutely fine. Do bear in mind that the early 1.4 Civics had a completely different engine to the later 1.4 ones. The early ones are (supposedly) gutless, the later ones a lot better.

I have an '57 Civic 1.8.

On rural A roads I get about 40 to 41 MPG during the summer. I can get about 43mpg on the motorway but this will fall to below 40 if you use the outside lane a lot. It's a six speed so ok for cruising (indicated 70mph = 3K revs).

It has power when you need it. It can cope with 3 + bike rack with 3 bikes, though it's not as sporty as it looks.

Comfort wise it's ok for me (5'11") and my wife (5'). Space wise my 14 year old does not complain too much in the back.

I'd recommend one with rear parking sensors as the view out of the back is appalling.

The CD can take CD's with MP3 files on them, so I can put on a CD with about 12 albums worth, which is useful for motorway driving.

I've regularly done 4+ hour trips in it, and it does the job ok.

The factory built DVD SatNav is useful as it comes with traffic alerts, and you can get 3rd party updated DVD for 10% of the Honda price.

Reliability - this is my 3rd petrol Honda, not disappointed so far.

How about a Vauxhall Astra?

I know Astras have stigma for being a bit vanilla, but i rented one recently and it cruised down the motorway very comfortably. Had enough power to get upto speed without having to rag it. Quite economical too.

Loads for sale around the 4-6k mark with sub-40k milage and if you go towards the £6k range you could get a 2012 model.

At that age and mileage its unlikely to have issues, plus some of them come with 1 year warranty included.

If not, look at Hyundai i-30 or Kia C'eed, reliability of the japanese cars but better value, if you can stand the badge.

For relaxed motorway cruising try to find something with a 6-speed gearbox (assuming you're looking at manual transmissions). I had one on a Golf as long ago as 2001 so there are some out there.

The Jazz has never had the 1.5 engine in the UK that it really needs to be suited to long trips. Otherwise you're right to look at Japanese cars for potential reliability, but you could also include the Korean Kia Ceed.

As well as the Vauxhall Astra, include the Ford Focus: the main plus point for both of these is that there are lots around to choose from.