A Bip on the horizon?

I can only walk 50 metres or so and have a Brigaid Hoist fitted in my car and a powered wheel chair. I went to a Mobility Centre to get advice on cars, chairs, etc. 3 years ago. I do not qualify for Motability as I became disabled after retirement age. I have a 6-year-old Toyota Yaris Verso, which is absolutely ideal for me. I would have bought new, 3 years ago, but Toyota had finished manufacturing them so I bought an ex-Motability car. It is now beginning to need money spending on it and I would like to buy new. But there seems nothing that I like. I want economy on petrol, automatic, no more that 1.5cc, with a high enough back entrance, for the wheelchair and one with no lip. But most important, I want JAPANESE. I dislike the Partner and Kangoo, don't like FIAT and don't want a large difficult to park car.
Can you suggest anything please?

Asked on 6 March 2010 by A.I., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

Unfortunately, nothing that directly replaces the Yaris Verso is imported to the UK. There are equivalents in Japan: the Yaris Ractis (www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/yaris-versora.../) and the Honda Freed (www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/freed-2010/).
Sadly the otherwise suitable Nissan Cube has a high rear load lip to strengthen the back in rear end impacts. Probably closest is the FIAT QUBO (www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/road-tests/fiat/fiat-qub...t) and equivalent Citroen Nemo and Peugeot Bipper.

Tags: buying mpvs motability scheme new cars wheelchair

Dear Honest John,

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