Which economical car would you recommend for short journeys, preferably a convertible?

After many years I am coming out of a company car scheme, so am looking to buy a car. I have a wish list, and a few points. Maybe you can advise? I am 6-feet 2-inches, 18 stone, and have arthritic knees. I would like something that is fun to drive (on occasion), practical (dog in the back and golf clubs in the boot), ideally convertible, petrol (95 per cent of my journeys are less than 10 miles), economical, and emissions-friendly. Any ideas?

Asked on 27 July 2013 by PC, via email

Answered by Honest John

Conflicting requirements here. For the knees I'd suggest something relatively upright with good ingress and egress. Currently best in this respect is a Mazda 5 TS2 2.0i 150. Despite looking like a minibus, the Mazda 5 has an astonishingly absorbent ride and is amazingly good to drive. Convertibles invariably involve some degree of athleticism to get in and out, and that's the last thing you need.

Tags: convertibles practicality tall drivers load space economical petrol engines

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