Probably a mini SUV/crossover. Hyundai Ix35 (too big?) VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga...

This sector of the market is huge. Loads of choices!

In his position - assuming that he wants the high driving position - I think I'd look at the Skoda Yeti and Ford C-Max. I'd be wary of Subaru as they seem to have 'lost it' recently and I can't believe the importwer is making money: they could go the same way as Daihatsu, which will be a pity.

The Honda Jazz has quite a high driving position and its tall doors make it easy to get in and out of - but I get the impression that he isn't ready for a 'old man's car' quite yet.

If a high driving position isn't essential, then some form of VW Golf or Ford Focus should suit.

The C-Max is on a short-list that I'm starting for myself, and I'm trying one tomorrow. I'll report back.

Edited by Avant on 20/06/2013 at 20:45

Now there's a thought for Happy Blue Snr - an Auris hybrid. Not that high off the ground, but Toyotas are easy to get in and out of. He'll either love it or loathe it.

Has he told you what his budget is, HB?

Edited by Avant on 20/06/2013 at 22:59

"I like the idea of the Yeti. Having sat in a C-max myself, it's not as nice inside as my S-max and Dad likes the touch screen DVD SatNav which also controls other aspects of the car`s configuration. Auris hybrid....hmmmm not sure, but interesting idea though. How does that differ from a CT-200h? "

I think the magazines' verdict on the CT-200h is that it isn't worth the extra over a Prius. The Auris is cheaper still, with the same mechanicals - and lighter, so potentially more lively than either the Prius or CT..

I had a run in a C-Max this morning. It was a 1.0 Ecobost petrol: it was interesting to try that much-praised engine, but if I were to go for a C-Max I'd have the 2.0 diesel. Annoyingly, to get the more powerful 2.0 diesel you have to have Titanium X trim. The 1.0 was lively and very quiet, but I felt that the C-Max was a little too big a car for it. It would be brilliant in a Fiesta and still very good in a Focus.

If you specify the top-of-the-range Sony system I think you can get the bells and whistles- but I don't like Ford's insistence that we all want to pretend our dashboard is a mobile phone, with umpteen fiddly little buttons.

I was expecting a plus-point of the C-Max to be the high driving position - but it didn't feel very high, or very special. It's a good car but it didn't bowl me over. I really shouldn't have test-driven a Golf GTI last week.....