Can you recommend a sensible car with high seats and lots of legroom in the rear?

I have a Renault Kangoo Expression, which we needed for my recently deceased partner in order to get a mobility scooter on a hoist in the back. It is just one year old with a trade value of £6,000, I am told (for probate purposes). I would like to change it for a more sensible car for a lady, but still would like higher seats and plenty of legroom in the back seats for my tall friends. Can you suggest a saloon (which I prefer) or hatchback, and would it be more economical to go back to a manual rather than automatic? Hopefully, I could add around £5,000/£6,000 to the Renault.

Asked on 16 June 2011 by NK, via email

Answered by Honest John
I'd look very seriously at the cheerful new KIA Picanto 1.2, as video tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-picanto-ii.../?

Obviously, automatic will not be as economical as manual. But the car is at least available with an autobox. The most sensible spec is the Picanto 2 1.25 ISG £10,195.
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