Possibly a 2WD 1.6 petrol version of the Mitsubishi ASX - not sure about all the gizmos you spoke of. You may want to consider petrol engined cars [10-15% cheaper to buy - not sure about lease hire though] generally given the mileage (unless you didn't include private miles in your estimation [total over 20k at least], then definitely go for a diesel) and they are ofetn cheaper to tax than diesels if they aren't too big.

The Skoda Yeti seems very well regarded, if you think the looks are acceptable (a sort of "marmite" looking car - you either love it or hate it). Not cheap any more, now that Skoda's aren't a 1980's joke any longer.

Lots of MPVs/4x4's (2WD versions more for you) out there really - both have a look at HJ's review section - its quite comprehensive. I hate to say it, but also try the "Find a Car" part of the "Parkers" website to narrow down the cars first (saves you having to trawl through them all). Make sure you don't get one with bling-bling (anything under ***/50 ratio or over 17in) wheels/tyres, because they'll do your back in for anyone with inherant problems in that regard.

It might be worth seeing which manufacturers have a dealership (for servicing/repairs) within reasonable distance of your office or you colleague's home, for convenience sake, though don't let it put you off any make, especially if you really want one car.

Best of luck.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 11/11/2012 at 17:45

I'd imagine that Happy Blue and his assistant have been working this out together and agreed on the type of package. The Qashqai sounds the right sort of car, but with a bad back he should test drive a shortlist of cars within the leasing budget and make sure he's comfortable.

The Yeti, C-Max, Verso and Mitsubishi ASX could all be contenders, even the Zafira if he regards a car as just something to get from A to B. The VW Touran might be more expensive to buy outright, but as it holds its value well there might be a good leasing deal.