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Replacing my Volkswagen estate - which MPV?

I want to replace my 2000 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 petrol estate with something of a similar size. I need five seats plus room for a wheelchair, and it should be able to cope with regular short journeys. I am considering a new shape Focus estate or a Golf estate. I am looking for something up to one year old and I have a budget around £18,000 - are there any other cars I should consider?

Asked on 8 November 2012 by TB, Alresford, Hants

Answered by Honest John
An MPV makes more sense than an estate car - the Ford C-Max, Mazda 5, Renault Scenic or the Toyota Verso, that sort of thing. They are all available with petrol engines. The 1.8i Valvematic offered in the Verso is the best engine, the 1.4TCe in the Scenic is next best. I should also mention the Vauxhall Meriva and Zafira Tourer, both with the 1.4T engine.

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