Has to be a Skoda Octavia for me. !.4 DSG You can find the same set up in Audi/VW group with the same mechanicals. I doubt your budget will reach to the later 1.5 but very good also and both economical engines

Interesting thanks for that. I hadn't even thought about a hybrid but now I'm reading some stuff I may have to try and up my budget. I was just looking at Kia Ceed estate 4 years old with 3 years left on its warranty and a phev, so my journeys to work could be on electric.

You’ve already had the Skoda Octavia suggested. Can add the Seat Leon and VW Golf to the same list. Take your pick from TSI petrol or TDI diesels. Both available with an auto box.

The usual caveat applies; those cars all use the VW DSG transmission, which can have problems in used cars. I have one, in a Skoda I bought used, and it's fine but worth mentioning the concern.

Will lots of very short journeys in a diesel cause issues?

Yes. If your long journeys are regular (say, weekly) it's probably OK. Bear in mind, too, that diesels are increasingly difficult or expensive to drive in cities.

What about a Kia Ceed estate sems like a decent sized booth and they have a 7 year warranty

Don't touch a secondhand diesel unless you know the history. It could be up for very expensive repairs which is why the previous owner sold it. Also when you come to sell it on it will be worth very little because people do not want to take a chance with a diesel.