Can you advise me of a small car with easy access and a smooth ride?

In my seventies and awaiting a hip transplant plus enduring arthritis in spine and knees, I seek a replacement for my Ford Ka. I dislike the new style Ka and have found the old model hard to access, as my left hip is the problem. I suspect this is a question you have answered in the past. Perhaps a photocopy of it is all I require. I wonder if Citroen C1 or Kia Picanto would be kinder to my ageing frame but would value your wider experience of these and other makes/models of small cars. Mostly I travel alone or with one passenger on the Isle of Wight, where road conditions are appalling.

Asked on 23 June 2011 by JM, Cowes

Answered by Honest John
Of all the very small cars I have driven the Chevrolet Spark on standard 14-inch wheels had noticeably the best ride quality. Test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/chevrolet/chevrole.../
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