Which comfortable, economical car do you recommend?

I drive about 12,000 – 15,000 miles per annum, minimum journeys 15-20 miles. My new car would need to be very economical and in VED Bands A, B or C, with air con and good rear carrying capacity, petrol or diesel, and manual or auto (but not DSG). I'm not particularly concerned with performance. I have looked at the Skoda Fabia Estate Greenline II, 1.2 TDI CR (which seems great on paper); the Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI SE (hatch and estate); and a Dacia Sandero (on the small side, and would prefer a Logan MCV, but not yet available in Peterborough). I didn't find the equivalent Hyundais at all comfortable, so would not have one. I will be grateful if you can advise me of other similar cars that will be worth considering.

Asked on 11 May 2013 by AS, Peterborough

Answered by Honest John
A Dacia Sandero is a bargain, though to get one with a/c the price goes up, and you still need to buy a spare wheel. The best one to drive is the 0.9 TCe 90 petrol. The top model of that with a/c is the Laureate at £8795 + £395 to extend the warranty from three years to five years plus £50 for a spare wheel (diesel Laureate £9795). Why waste more money? Tax is £30 a year. Test: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/dacia/dacia-sander.../
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