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What high-up car do you recommend that is simple to use?

My Skoda Fabia is coming to the end of its shelf life but has been an excellent car. I would love one that is similar but higher up. I am not into new technology and don't have the time to work it all out. Having hired a VW T-Roc I loved the space but didn't like everything being computerised or the big screen, plus lane assist I had to turn off each journey and the push button start/handbrake the size of a matchstick.

Can you recommend a high up car that doesn't have the features listed above, has a good reputation, it needs to be petrol and manual (am not interested in electric). Needs to be easy to get in and out of for the very elderly (possibly with a runnng board)?

Asked on 26 February 2025 by Sarah

Answered by Matt Robinson
It sounds like you're referring to what's known as 'lane assistance', and unfortunately it's a bit difficult to avoid without buying an older vehicle, because it became mandatory on all new cars from 2022. In most cases, the system automatically switches back on every time you restart the car.

However, if you want a more 'analogue' experience without having to rely on a big screen, a Mazda CX-30 will be worth a look, and it's available with a petrol engine and an excellent manual gearbox. It does still have a push-button start system and an electronic parking brake, however - again, these are quite hard to avoid now, but you may find you get used to both elements quite quickly.
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