Wheeling them in

I'm planning to change my car from a nippy little Fiesta Ghia, which I really like driving, to a more substantial vehicle that will accommodate my tall, disabled husband and a medium sized scooter or self propelled wheelchair plus a hoist for the scooter (not my husband). I don't want to be driving a 'tank', though. I don't mind about transmission, nor fuel. Seats need to be reasonably high off the ground for Tony who has a major back problem and can't walk. Because of my husband’s disability we won't have to pay VAT so a new car might be sensible. (Incidentally he's not eligible for a Motabilty Car.) We've been advised to look at Citroens and Vauxhalls. Have you got any specific suggestions.

Asked on 12 June 2010 by JA, Stafford

Answered by Honest John

Citroen now does a factory approved Berlingo with a ramp, modified by GM Coachwork and called the Berlingo Blaze. It’s available in two formats: driver, plus wheelchair passenger and two other passengers, or driver plus wheelchair passenger and three other passengers. The
low floor conversion of the rear compartment provides generous rear headroom of 1,372mm (4ft 6in) and also a very shallow angle for the fold-out, non-slip surfaced light alloy ramp. It also offers the width needed to accommodate larger wheelchairs. The Berlingo Blaze 1.6i VT is priced from £13,995 (for Motability customers - £495 advance payment and full Motability allowance), while the 1.6HDi XTR based
model is priced from £15,995 (or for Motability customers - £1,195 advance payment and full Motability allowance). All have a three year, 60,000 mile warranty. More on Berlingo Blaze at www.gmcoachwork.co.uk Renault will soon be introducing a Kangoo Express Maxi with a ramp and automated passenger seat.

Tags: buying mpvs disabled drivers new cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

Inside leg

I have a handicapped daughter who travels in the rear passenger-side seat with me as the only other occupant. I have to have at least a medium size car to ensure that she cannot reach me to interfere with...

Undergrand carriage

I'm currently helping my mum chose her next Motability car. She has arthritis and needs a high driving position, an automatic gearbox and ideally she would like to keep the keyless ignition she has with...

Automatic MPV for Disabled Person

I am on the Motability scheme and the present car I have is the 1.5 Renault Grand Scenic diesel auto which I consider to be downright dangerous when pulling away at roundabouts etc as it is woefully underpowered....