If they hang on for a month or two, the new Hyundai i10 will be with us, and it's been very well reviewed. Or they could probably get a good deal on the current model:

We had briefly considered the i10 but the boot is simply too small. The Micra boot holds the fold up wheel chair, the wheeled walker and a bit of shopping, just. Anything smaller is out.

Its just a shame that the current Micra has been so poorly received since its introduction plus the prices are stupid. The 1.2 basic model is just over £10,000, add in A/C and a decent colour and its £11,000. A chap down the street has one and the interior is very cheap to look at.

The other thing we have to consider is mum being able to get in and out. The Almera had to go when it became too difficult and was replaced by a Jazz which was OK for about 4 years then that became too difficult. When they bought the Micra it was on a shortlist of 2 cars which were perfect for mother, the other was the old Ford Fusion. Its not just the seat height, its the angle of the base and the distance from the door cill to the seat that are just as important.

Maybe I should spend my time convincing him to keep the Micra instead of looking for another car. Its in excellent condition, fault free and has only done 20,000 miles in 6 years.

The distance from seat to ground may be more significant for the less able - if a specific family member needs to be taken into account then take them round a few showrooms and at least establish the height ballpark you need to choose from.

My Santa Fe is ideal for me - with drivers seat on it's lowest setting I can simply stand by the door, put one leg in and then slide my backside across onto the seat - but others will need all sorts of different ideal heights.

Edited by RT on 29/12/2013 at 20:34

Why not stick with Nissan and buy the last of the old Note or the brand new shape Note?

The old one is proven as a reliable spacious small MPV, you can pick them up very competitivly priced on a 13 or 63 plate.

Alternativly, buy the brand new shape Note, I have already noticed discounts bring down the base model to £10,000.

Plus, not only are you buying a good car with lots of space in a small package BUT you are also supporting British workers buying a car built in this country.

My father had endless trouble with a Berlingo, and lots of stress trying to deal with a main Citroen dealer too. He traded it in for a Jazz and never had any more problems.