We've had a 2018 SEAT Arona from new (originally a company car), which we like and think is comfortable despite being in FR trim with the slightly 'sportier' suspension. It's been reliable. So how about something like this:

www.cinch.co.uk/used-cars/seat/arona/details/980b2...3

Ours is a 1.5 manual though.

Or the equivalent-ish Skoda, the Kamiq?

www.cinch.co.uk/used-cars/skoda/kamiq/details/9029...9

As we've debated on this forum many times before, the problem with dual clutch 'auto' gearboxes is that they still have a clutch system, which means they still wear like a manual when used in an urban setting, where there are more gear changes and more 'slipping' the clutch when driving in stop-start traffic.

Whilst its true DCTs have generally improved in terms of reliability longevity and maintainability, they still aren't in my view as good on that score as good examples of TC and CVT auto boxes.

Those from KIA/Hyundai appear to have had far less reliability issues than (IMHO) those of VAG (which appear to have improved in recent years on the reliability front) and especially Ford, though they seemed to realise this and have gone back to TC boxes on at least some cars (other can confirm which and whether some still have DCTs or even CVTs).

Their (DCTs) main advantage was always designed to be efficiency on more free-flowing roads where clutch slip is minimal and the advantages of a clutch-based system (in this case a computer-controlled one) will be high, which is why they are used in high performance vehicles and were their early adopter.

The risk of problems and early failure of a DCT is likely reduced where a car is bought brand new (thus removing the possibly heavy wear from previous use) and when used in driving where its less stop-start. Unfortunately neither will apply to the OP, unless they can find a car where they know the owner well and trust them, where that person drove on sympathetic journeys as described.

Perhaps the best advice is possibly to find out whether a car (whatever make/model) has has more than its fair share of (relatively short term and without much use, mileage-wise) owners in its life when being sold, or just a few, preferably one, plus being able to view a full maintenance record and few problems (if any) of note on the MOT record too.

How a car is looked after and how long it is owned to me is often a good indicator of whether it'll be 'trouble' or not to the next owner. That and the physical condition - including how clean and tidy it is inside.

For me, as a long-term Mazda3 owner (same car since 2006), the main issue with them is finding a good, honest dealership (if that's where you want maintain the car rather than a 'general indie') and, in my view, at least for some certain models like the CX-3 and 30 being over-priced as second hand vehicles, compared to the 'stand car' brothers and sisters. Maybe it's because SUVs are in vogue at the moment and command a premium.

Don't necessarily discount buying a standard car, especially in today's high-priced second hand market, as one may meet your needs and for less than an SUV/crossover.

The OP may want to also consider a Mazda CX-3 if it meets their spacial needs, as it uses a very similar engine (the Skyactiv-G 2L), essentially the same TC gearbox (very smooth) and likely has had any problems sorted or its obvious a lemon via the 'lots of previous short term owners' giveaway.

They were on sale new until 2019, so a 5yo car can be had and probably for under the OP's budget (best in SE-L Nav form with 16in tyres for comfort and value for money). Much more tricky for a CX-30 (same tyre criteria for comfort), when sales only started in 2019, so just the early models would be in budget, and likely not many of them either, given the original RRP was about 20-25% more than the CX-3's.

Another related thread to look over:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=195932

Likely a few others too - use the search facility.

No brainer as far as I’m concerned. If you want a small SUV automatic the Mazda is by far the best option factoring in long term reliability.

Not sure I'd agree with this given the OP states mainly city driving and short trips.

With that in mind, I'd say the obvious choice for a small automatic SUV/Crossover would be the Toyota C-HR hybrid. At least as reliable as the Mazda, probably better rust protection, but much better urban economy.

Budget means mainly the 1.8, but there will be one or two of the more powerful 2.0 versions kicking about, especially if that budget could be stretched by another £k.

For the OP, regarding comfort, make sure you avoid cars of a higher and/or sportier trim level. These will have larger diameter wheels on wider. lower profile tyres which has a detrimental effect on comfort and refinement. This applies to anything you may be looking at including the Toyota I mention above. With some cars, you can only get an auto with a higher trim level, but the benefit of the C-HR hybrid is that there is no manual option. So auto on the lowest spec "Icon" trim (which is what I'd go for with comfort in mind)

We all (me included) go a bit mad when buying cars and focus on things that don't matter. Why would you want auto hold on an automatic car? You have a go pedal and a stop pedal and simply.move your foot from one to the other. There is no point at all in having another brake in between, it's just an annoyance.

What about Kia XCeed 1.4 petrol auto DCT ?

I owned a Kia Ceed DCT for 8 years. It was 1.6 L petrol

DCT was fine during 80,000 miles I drove it and then I sold it and based on MOT history it is still being used.

I rarely use auto hold

My current car has auto hold and I use it all the time. The advantage is that I rarely need to touch the EPB. I tried not using auto hold but decided I'd rather use it.

If you have got the CX30, lovely car, make sure you buy a couple of cheap Faraday pouches for the keys. This has, in my case, solves the battery drain and the inadvertent hatch opening issues.