Which diesel SUV for motorway use offers good passenger comfort?

I have driven a SEAT Leon Cupra 1.8 20VT for the last 10 years. I can hardly fault it, but it's time to change cars because the SEAT is getting old, and also my wife finds any long journey in my car a painful experience due to its hard suspension and low profile tyres. I have a budget of around £20,000 and want to buy something that is comfortable for her, but is also reasonably interesting to drive. I'm currently doing a lot of motorway driving, so think that diesel is the way to go.

We've tested a Audi A5 Quattro S-Line, a Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX, a Skoda Yeti Elegance 4x4 170 and a Volvo V40 Cross Country. The only one she was happy with was the Honda, but it seems like an enormous car for mostly just me and occasionally her and others. And to be honest I find it a little staid. I'd be happy with any of the others.

Asked on 28 December 2013 by JC, Aldworth

Answered by Honest John
The good news is that for the facelift Yeti the 1.8TSI is back, with four-wheel drive. That's by far the best Yeti, new or used. But new it’s £25,000. Unfortunately the Volvo V40 would not have Volvo’s very promising new 181PS 4-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine that gets under 100g/km in the EC tests in the S60 and V60. I will be running one of those for at least 6 months from March.
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