What vehicle offers ease of access that I could replace my Ford Fusion with?

I drive a 1600cc petrol Ford Fusion auto, registered 2006. I originally purchased the car as I am tall and at the time had two elderly and disabled parents who need the ease of access. My needs have now changed and I would like a smaller hatchback. However I am now a voluntary driver for a local club for older people. So I still need the easy access. A Fiat Panda has been advised, but as I intend to keep the car for some years I would like to be sure of my purchase and feel that there could be a number of options. I could afford up to £20,000. My main driving is local with occasional motorway trips. What do you advise?

Asked on 26 October 2013 by LF, Ingatestone, Essex.

Answered by Honest John

Something upright with four side doors that provide ease of access to all seats. Small: Suzuki Splash, Vauxhall Agila. Bigger: Hyundai ix20, KIA Venga, Ford B-Max, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008.

Tags: mpvs doors tall drivers ease of access

Similar questions

I need a comfortable car with easy access - what do you suggest?

I'm tall and have a bad back. I need an automatic vehicle that has easy access and is comfortable. My annual mileage is approximately 3000. What do you advise?

Can you recommend a replacement for our Honda CR-V?

We have a 2006 Honda CR-V Sport auto. It is costing too much to run as we only make very short trips in and around town. We are both in our arthritic eighties and are seeking a small car with ease of access...

Which four-door MPV with good access?

Will you kindly recommend smallish four-door family saloons (smaller than the Mondeo/Passat) with ease of entry a priority, as drivers and passengers are in their eighties. Annual mileage is likely to...

Related models

Kia Venga (2010 - 2019)

Spacious back seats and wide-opening doors. Easy to drive and park. Good visibility. Decent boot capacity.

Suzuki Splash (2008 - 2014)

Small yet tall five-door city car. High seating position. Rear seats fold flat. Auto is 4-speed torque converter. Highest first time MoT pass rate of any car.

Vauxhall Agila (2008 - 2014)

Surprisingly spacious small five-door city car. Makes best sense with 1.0 petrol engine. Much better than old Agila. Rebadged version of Suzuki Splash.

Hyundai ix20 (2010 - 2018)

Cheap to run. Good visibility. Plenty of rear passenger and boot space. Better engines and transmissions in 2016.

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017)

Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.