We'd like to buy a car with easy access and a petrol engine - what do you suggest?

Increasing age has made us consider our future motoring. We've passed our second car, a Volkswagen Polo, on to a granddaughter and are considering downsizing from our A4 2.0TDI SE saloon to something smaller with easy access and good manoeuvrability. I've looked at an A3 and a Toyota Auris. I expect we do no more than 7000 miles a year, so petrol seems sensible. I would welcome your views on these two cars, or any other suggestions.

Asked on 24 March 2012 by RJ, via email

Answered by Honest John
My father is in an Auris HSD (hybrid) and loves it. Gets 55 - 60mpg. My mother appreciates the slightly more upright seating than most hatchbacks. A classy new A3 on the VAG MBQ floorpan arrives next month. Best engines are the 1.4TSI 122 and 1.8 TSI 170.

I'd also look at smaller, more upright cars. The Honda Jazz is very nice now and hugely commodious and the KIA Venga / Hyundai ix20 makes a lot of sense.
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