Report on the UK Lodgy here:

www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-reviews/18730/dacia-lodgy

Not on current Dacia UK website where I suspect it's been replaced by the Jogger.

Quite a few Dacia models that didn't come to the UK including the Dokker which is similar to the old Renault Kangoo or Mk1 Berlingo/Partner.

Despite what that link might suggest, i don't think the Lodgy was ever sold officially in the UK, there certainly aren't any on Autotrader.

The Lodgy and Dokker are basically the same (other than the roofline they are identical from the B pillar forward) though they seem to overlap each other for intended market. The Lodgy is longer with three rows of seats (6 or 7 seats depending on market and version) and conventionally opening rear side doors. The (passenger carrying) Dokker was 5 seat only but had a taller roofline and sliding rear side doors.

For the OP, I did think a car with 3 rows of seats would be a better option than trying to squeeze 3 adults and 2 child seats (plus what is presumably going to be a lot of luggage) into a 5 seater that you are unfamiliar with.

The Lodgy is definitely fit for your needs (it isn't massive BTW, shorter than a current Focus estate), but if it wasn't too much dearer, I'd definitely take the Citroen Spacetourer.

You will probably be surprised how quickly you take to it and just start driving without even thinking of using the right hand for gears.

I’ve never had any problem using a manual left hand drive. The pedals are in the same order and I think the muscle memory for a manual car is mainly in your feet. That’s where the fine control is needed and your feet don’t care which side of the car you sit on.

The gear lever needs comparatively little fine control as it’s guided by the gates.

That's my experience too - in Spain.

Found an automatic in the States more challenging as I'd not driven one for donks and only very rarely then.