Skoda Rapid Spaceback is a well build vw based car and if you beleive the warranty direct league tables the most reliable of vw/audi/seat bunch of cars and within your budget.

I wouldn't jump yet. Wait until the new arrival is here and see how you go with the A3. You can then buy a vehicle based on real life experience and requirements, rather than what you think you will need.

You will also be able to go and see a few cars with the baby, pram etc with you to see how practical the cars are.

I have noticed some estates have very poor rear legroom - once a baby becomes a toddler (it happens much quicker than you think) they like kicking the rear of the seat in front!

I wouldn't wait. No way will a Golden Retriver and a pushchair/pram will fit in an A3!

Look at Volvos too...V50s or preferably V70s.

The Octavia boot capacity is 610 litres, the Avensis 509. I think only the new Passat, Merc E Class and soon to be replaced Superb beat the Octavia.

Don't overlook the Kia Ceed SW.

We have had one for almost 5 years now and so far its been 100% reliable, spacious and comfortable.

When we bought it we looked at alternatives and as a complete package we simply could not find better. For the record we looked at the Octavia, Avensis, Mondeo, Focus, Passat (and probably several I have forgotten).

Now 5 years later we still find its packaging unbeatable. We are due to replace it later this summer but none of the alternatives have the same combination of passenger vs luggage space vs overall size.

We have looked at the new Mondeo, small boot for its size, huge rear passenger space but huge external size.

We have looked at the new 308 SW. Same overall size as the Ceed with a huge boot but very poor rear seat space.

The Seat Leon SW is a better compromise than the 308 but the rear seat space is no better than the Leon hatch we have despite being bigger overall.

So why don't we buy another Ceed SW. Simple answer, we want a petrol and the only petrol available in the Ceed SW is a poor 1.4 non-turbo version that is slow and thirsty.

If we wanted or could justify another diesel it would be the current model Ceed SW which having looked at it is both nicer to look at, has the same passenger/luggage packaging and is far nicer inside, not driven one yet but all reports indicate its better than ours.

All is not lost though, there is a petrol turbo Ceed SW being introduced later this year that may well satisfy our needs. Problem might be its only a 1.0 petrol and as such might be a bit weedy. If we wait that long we shall see.

I'd forgotten the Kia Ceed. According to the What Car review it has 528 litres (seats up) which is about the same as the Mondeo without its excessive overall length. Worth a look if it's big enough for you.