Second what 'bazza' says. If you want 4x4 there is a Skoda Octavia estate version which would prove more economical than an oversize SUV...

Would you consider a Berlingo or it's Peugeot stable mate?

Tons of loadspace and legroom. Sliding doors a huge bonus when getting kids in and out. The current 1.6 8valve diesel is pretty well bomb proof provided service intervals and oil specs are strictly followed. You also doing the miles and driving types to keep the DPF clean but that will apply to any modern diesel.

Never driven a petrol version so no idea how it goes.

Obviously no sports car but the 115PS diesel version has enough poke for A road overtakes and is no slouch even with 1200kg of caravan attached.

For your budget you could go for new but that would add the complication of an adblu emissions set up. Thin that ws introduced on a facelift around 18months ago.

Thanks for all the responses guys, we've been out for a look at options today.

Answers / responses:

1. Unfortunately we've not fans of French cars so have ruled out Citroen and Peugeot, rightly or wrongly.

2. I was keen on the Octavia Estate suggested but the wife really isn't keen on the look of it, i've got to be honest it really does play up to its "old man" image unless you extend to vRS spec, so looks like that may be out.

3. We did look at the Civic but I find it really marmite in terms of looks and that too didn't float our boat.

So what did we see that we liked - the i40 SE Nav 1.7 CRDi, the Mazda6 SE Sport Nav (unfortunately out of our price range new and I wouldn't want this in 2.2d second hand, and from the left-field - the Honda HR-V although this is probably too small in the boot department and probably too expensive too being brand new.

Haven't seen the Mondeo (saloon or estate) or Focus estate in the flesh yet so still an option.

Unless any other options present themselves then I think the i40 is likely to get the vote.....

Any comments on the above or other suggestions then please do shout up.

What about a Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid?

At one year old, these are in your price braket. It's an SUV so your wife would be happy.

It has a range on the electric charge of 32 miles so making the trip to work a challenge to get as possible before the petrol engine kicks in.

Would make a lot of sense if you could recharge it during the day at work.

Just a thought...