I also like extra height for ease of access, mainly due to painful hips and knees, but have now become accustomed to the benefits of slightly better visibility sitting higher as well.

Out of interest I recently sat in the new VW Golf SV...a slightly bigger Golf with higher seating. Disappointed that the drivers seat wasn't as high as my Yeti, which, even after three years, is most pleasing to drive given it's (for me) ideal driving height and ease of access and also I can see the end of the bonnet...which you can't on most others. There feels as though there's space around you in the front seats of the Yeti and the big square windows allow great visibility to the sides and rear. There's a wealth of debate though regarding the automatic box in the Yeti. Mine has it (it's called DSG) and I love it. (INote for pedants: Iknow it's strictly speaking an automated manual but for the purposes of this post I'm gonna stick with"automatic"). Regarding the shape of it, you either like it or you don't.

I sat in a Dacia Duster and a Hyunda ix35 and didn't feel as comfortable in either as I do in mine, but both have extra height.

To be honest, there are loads of high riding cars to choose from and others will have their recommendations. As you're limited to automatic I suggest you learn a bit about the differences between a conventional "torque converter" gearbox versus the "CVT" type of auto (as on the new Qashqai) versus the "automated manual" such as Ford's "Powershift" and the Volkswagen group's" DSG". And check the emissions (tax band) and mpg of some of the higher riding automatics...they vary a lot

I will certainly look at the HRV when it comes out in 2015 but, for now we can only speculate how it will feel in the flesh. Presumably a bit like a shrunken CRV? or a Jazz on stilts? I found the Mazda CX5 and the Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV4 felt a bit too big compared to mine but the forthcoming HRV is about the same length so it might appeal a bit more in town, re. parking etc. For reliabilty and good customer service you might want to stick to Honda if you're not sure about the others. The new Qashqai has connections with Renault (as did the old one) which might put some off but it gets good reviews and the one I recently went in was fine, albeit, a bit more flashy looking than mine..... but they're all going that way , I fear. If you want auto you'd have to check you liked the CVT gearbox in the Nissan.

There's loads to choose from and bit of homework is required but see the reviews (Car by Car) on this site which will help.

Edited by KB. on 20/10/2014 at 19:04

Comfort is a very personal thng, and your only realistic answer is to go to some showrooms and sit in various cars. It isn't just a matter of height; it's also the horizontal distance from door sill to seat.

SWMBO has an arthtitic knee but has no trouble getting into and out of my Octavioa estate, nor her Mini Roadster. But when I had a Yeti as a courtesy car she didn't like the step up at all - whereas it might suit you.

I dont think that the Yeti and Qashqai are as high up as a CR-V, so they might suit: also try the Ford Maxes, B, C or S depending on what size you want. I once tried a C-Max and liked the driving position. The Citroen Picasso is worth a look, although it may be a little wallowy for your teenagers.

The CRV is getting a 9 speed zf auto next year along with a new 1.6 diesel with the same power as the old 2.2, it could be slightly more power can't rember.

If you want japanese and auto that would be my choice.

My CX-5 has more power and torque but only a six speed auto, and a stiffer ride, upside is better handling than the CRV.

High riding cars are actually better for disabled or age people to get in and out, i found that out with the wifes parents,

"I've a suspicion Avant may have meant the width of the sill, as in how much horizontal distance your foot has to travel to span the sill."

That's right KB. It's your feet and also to some extent your hips. I was useless at sports in my youth, so I'm glad to ssay that at 66 my hips and knees are fine - but I can imagine that the movements that you have to make at the same time when getting into and out of a car can be quite a problem if some of your joints are stiff.

Thanks for coming back to us. Please ignore the last few words of madf's post: if he's a gentleman he'll post again and apologise.

I hope you'll find the time to come back and tell us how you get on with your car search: it seems there are quite a few people reading this who have (or whose family have) similar problems - with which I can only sympathise. With hip problems and a long commute, comfort is clearly vital, so make sure you get long test drives in any car you try.

I'm no mechanic and certainly can't explain torque in any technical way - but broadly, torque is pulling power, and the stronger the torque the better a car is at pulling away from low revs (as opposed to some engines, notably those in Italian cars, which are only at their best at high revs).

Good luck!

Edited by Avant on 02/11/2014 at 15:16