I don't know much about new cars as I only run them at 10 years+ as I can still repair those, but I do know that the big Skoda's are very well reported on especially for comfort which is my main concern. I did have a ride in a Skoda taxi a few months ago and was very impressed with that.

If you look at 'Parkers guide' on the net they give a pretty good description of all recent cars so that may help you choose.

You will certainly get a better fuel consumption from and estate than a 4WD.

I have the same philosophy which is why I have run hydropnumatic Citroens for about the last 30 years and still do. I don't want to go round corners at 60mph or have my spine broken by potholes so the higher tyre profile meaning generally the smallest wheels the better for me, I would go back to crossplies if they were legal. Some of the modern cars have a diabolical ride for what reason, because the big wheels and thin tyres look nice? They remind me of bicycle wheels.

Best to have a good think about what you need the car to do from day to day, rather than just opt on a whim for say a VRS. Do you live half way up a mountain or miles off road, in which case a 4x4 might be useful, although there are far better choices than a Patriot. A VRS is a lovely car, but at its best on well surfaced empty A roads, where it can be driven to its potential by a sporty driver. As ROb says, the low profiles and stiffened suspension will not give the most comfy ride compared to other estates in that range, i have a 1.9 tdi Octavia estate on 15" rims and higher profile tyres, which are cheap and comfortable. The car does the job for me just fine and is never lacking in grip or performance. You can still pick up the old tech 1.9tdi estates which never had a DPF fitted for very sensible money by the way.