Yes, many larger ones are now going back to saloons (probably to rival the German marques to make them 'upmarket' [read expensive to buy]), but again, as other have said, MPVs and crossover vehicles have more than filled the void, and are often more practical for families and useful for transporting granny and grandad around as they have higher up seats making it easier to get in/out of the car.

I also think manufacturers just don't sell the big cars in sufficient numbers to justify having so many (costly) variants in body shape, plus big cars are difficult to park (spaces haven't grown, but car sizes have) and thus are less popular apart from those with money....

My personal preference - Michelin or Continental tyres , usually perform and last well - Fantastic on numerous long continental runs at higher speeds

On my 2003 Superb I got 30+k out of the above but 18k from the original fit Brigestones . ...

The ds3 has a torque converter auto!

Thanks for the tips. I was going not to exceed 20-30 miles from where I live (Leeds). Good points about reg-platye change rush. I use totalcarcheck.co.uk to check the car history!

As other correspondents have pointed out, the OP needs to know that if (s)he is mostly making short commuting-type journeys then no engine (no matter what fuel or type) will ever give its best in terms of performance, economy or longevity. As oil adverts have pointed out for many years (think Castrol) the vast majority of engine wear occurs when the engine is cold. Also, when cold, engines use fuel enrichment to give smooth running and reasonable performance. Also the conversion of heat into motive power cannot happen efficiently until the engine is warm.

However, under these operating conditions a petrol engine is likely to perform better overall than a diesel, particularly a modern diesel. This is primarily for two reasons. A petrol engine usually has less material in the engine than a diesel of similar capacity - this helps the engine warm up quicker. Also, a petrol engine, is not as efficient overall (ie energy content to motive power conversion) thus there is more 'waste' heat to warm the engine through. Thus, a petrol will warm quicker so it will reach an economic running state sooner and the car will be more comfortable in cold weather as the cabin can be warmed quicker. It also has benefits for the engine longevity. A modern diesel also has other disadvantages under these conditions. The DPF and EGR systems are likely to suffer and are expensive to repair/replace. So, what to get instead? I would make two suggestions, either a Skoda Octavia or Saab 9-3. I have a Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T, and find on cold mornings that the engine is usually just up to normal temp by about 2 miles from home (easy driving). I rate this as pretty good - my wifes C1 with its tiny 3 cylinder engine takes about 1 1/2 miles. In the Saab, you have a choice of three engines, 1.8t (150hp), 2.0t (175hp) or 2.0T (210hp). The most economic is likely to be the 1.8t, though it's also likely to be a bit pedestrian performance wise. My Aero has a Maptun tune to 270hp/370Nm and can pull a house from little above 2000rpm if you wanted massive urge! Yet will still do 40mpg on the motorway with a light foot at about 70, 30+ round town if similarly careful. You should also be able to find one with heated seats - again a big help on those short journeys in the winter months. For what your Audi is worth, you should be able to find a late built example (2010-2011) and maybe even pocket some change - with Saabs demise secondhand values have fallen and you can get an awful lot of car for your money. I have no direct experience of the Octavia, but am eyeing up the VRS 230 as a replacement for the Saab in a few years. For your purposes, as suggested, you might prefer to look at a 1.4TSi. There are a couple of people at work who have them and they seem very pleased. I've ridden as a passenger in a diesel VRS DSG and thought it very good. Another point: gearbox choice? With the Saab it's 6 speed manual or an (torque convertor) automatic. With the Octavia, the auto is DSG. You don't say if your short journeys are through slow traffic, but if they are you might be better with an auto (and again I'd suggest the Saab here rather than a DSG) as such driving is hard on the clutch of a manual. At the very least keep an eye on the usual outlets and go and try both cars. Whatever you get, also remember that under your driving cycle oil changes are your friend (especially for engine longevity). Follow HJs advice and change twice a year. Also don't forget the gearbox - change it at least once soon after you get it. Similarly, the brake fluid and coolant. For winter use, you might want to consider an engine pre heater.