Nissan no longer have the reputation for the reliability of the other Japanese makes, so your older Auris would be more reliable.

Clearly you are looking for a more stylish car with raised ride height this time.

I would also look at the Mazda CX3 and CX30, the Honda HRV. The Korean makes worth a look would be the Kia Stonic and the Hyundai Kona.

The C-HR you mention is hybrid only now so make sure you are happy with the CVT gearbox, although I believe the recent improvements have made them much better. No manual gearbox available.

I wouldn't rule out the new Ford Puma either. Rave reviews, happy owners, good to drive and spacious for the dimensions.

The CX-3 was withdrawn from sale (new cars) late last year due to poor sales in the UK, and, I suspect, it may be a bit too small for the OP. Fine otherwise, if you're not too worried about interior or boot space (especially in the Sport models [reduced boot size due to ICE]).

A run-out model (second hand from 2019) might be worth a look - just stick to the good value 2.0 SA-G SE-L Nav versions shod on 16in rims and forget the Sport / 4WD models shod on 18in rims - firm ride, smaller boot (287L compared to 350L)

The CX-30 is a decent car (as is the CX-5, though perhaps on the larger side?) with a good-sized boot/interior, but it ain't cheap - barely any deals of note (at most 10% off via brokers), even at the moment, and the starting price is about £1k more than the equivalent spec Mazda3, at around the £26k mark for a mid-spec SA-X model (the better engine).

Other than the higher seating position (if that's what the OP prefers), the main benefits over the (essentially the same spec-wise) Mazda3 are the bigger boot compared to the hatch and the decent boot opening compared to the fastback. Other than that, the 3 will come in cheaper (especially via dealer offers/broker prices), handles better, and has better performance / mpg due to the lower, more sleek shape.

Despite this, I'll still be considering a CX-30 (and the 3) to replace my 14yo Mazda3 saloon when the time comes, because of those boot acccess issues.

Note to the OP that all the Mazdas will have the option of a TC auto box, which is far smoother than the CVT and more reliable than most DCTs, but at the cost of more performance and mpg (not terrible in the SA-X engined cars).

The Kia X-Ceed might also be worth a look (I like the exterior styling in particular), unless its too big (similar size to the CX-30). I'm less enthused by the looks or drive of the Stonic or Kona.

As above...wouldn't even consider the Nissans...you'd be better off looking at the likes of Kia/Hyundai.et al....or the Vitara.

Mazda would be my first port of call. CX-30 or CX-5, both fabulous vehicles. Also Kia for a Sportage.

Plenty of suggestions above.

Didn't see reference to either the forthcoming "Cross" versions of the Jazz and the Yaris. Both worth a look if the OP wants something in the small SUV style as well as the others mentioned.

I did see mention, above, that these, slightly higher riding, models are no more than a fashion accessory but if that's what people are buying then presumably they're buying them out of choice - no-one's forcing them to buy them. If people want a the higher stance, perhaps to ease entry and exit and/or improve vision a bit, then why not? My Yeti is a bit higher than most standard hatchbacks and I love the higher driving position - it's easy to get in and out of with painful knees. I'm not especially given to buying stuff just coz it's fashionable, chic or fancy so I'd disagree quite firmly that people buy them as a fashion accessory.

One car that never seems to get a mention is the Vauxhall Grandland X. It is no greater in length than many hatchbacks at 4477 mm. It has a decent size boot. The turbo 1.2 petrol is a delight with plenty of oomph. The seats are comfortable and you step sideways onto rather than down into the seats which makes it very accessible.

There aren’t many of these Grandland X’s on the road which is surprising. It is based upon the Peugeot 3008, might not look as stylish as the 3008 but because the VX is less stylish / popular the VX appears to be better value. Not without problems as a look on the Grandland X Forum will show but are there any newish cars out there that do not have a few niggles.

Edited by Dag Hammar on 20/07/2020 at 18:50

We are looking for a similar size car and the Renault Captur is on our list, priced up to include the 5 year guarantee.

There's a smaller Vauxhall SUV called the Crossland. There's also the Mokka but - having never aspired to own a Vauxhall - I've no idea where that fits into the range.

The Crossland (421cm long) is based on the Peugeot 2008 (416 cm long) and shares powertrains.

An Audi Q2 like mine is the next size up:

No, the Q2 is similar sized - 419cm long, and was on our shortlist of small SUVs. Next size up is Audi Q3, Peugeot 3008, Vx Grandland, Citroen C4, etc.......between 445 and 450cm

Thank you, I'll have a look at the Honda. My M&D have a Jazz but are now starting to struggle getting in & out.

Although not really an SUV my friend has a Kia Niro, Him & his wife are both tall & find it comfortable.

I liked the Toyota C-HR but for the price it didn't really tick all the boxes I wanted it to. I wish they had an updated version of the Auris but It's been replaced by the Corolla which is quite low down. Toyota also seem to be heading towards more Hybrid / electric cars.