Which fun, comfortable car to replace my Honda Jazz?

My husband and I have always enjoyed our driving and, in later years, had the mix of a one year old Honda Jazz (as our local runabout) plus a Jaguar XF for longer journeys in comfort. We both shared the driving. Sadly, I am suddenly left as a widow. I have sold the Jaguar, as having two cars was rather excessive. However, I do find the dear old Jazz rather limiting for enjoyment when travelling around the country. Can you recommend a comfortable car, which is a joy to drive but has the reliability and partial space of the Honda? I also have a large garden involving lots of trips to the amenity tip. The budget isn’t really an issue.

Asked on 2 February 2013 by LC, Petersfield

Answered by Honest John
The new Golf Mk VII instantly jumped to the top of its class: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/volkswagen/volkswa.../. Or a new Audi A3 on the same MQB platform: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-a3-2012-.../ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-a3-sport.../.

Otherwise you could go one size up from your Jazz to the new Civic 1.8iVTEC. Tests and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/honda/honda-civic-.../ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/honda/honda-civic-.../.

Or a new Toyota Auris: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-auri.../.
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