I have a quandry. I live 1 mile down a rutted farm track. I commute 250 (motorway) miles to work each week but the 10 miles at each end of the journey are on rough windy country lanes.

I have long legs requiring a decent footwell and longer seat plus decent legroom in the back seats for 2 tall teenage children and a hatch boot to occasionally carry the dog short distances.

As a physiotherapist, I need to be able to fold the seats down flat to transport a folding treatment couch and other equipment. I am presently driving a Nissan Note 1.4 which ticks most of the boxes and is very economical returning 48-50mpg but I am increasingly finding the long commute in a noisy car very tiring.

By limiting my speed I can quieten the journey (and improve fuel economy) but this extends the journey time. My husband has suggested I look at a bigger engine and cruise control to improve road comfort on long journeys but I don't want to unduly compromise functionality and economy nor the ability to negotiate the farm track.

My pocket is not deep, and I am not a badge collector but wonder if you have any suggestions for an alternative car that might improve the commuting nightmare that is Friday and Sunday evenings!