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You should ideally give a little more idea of what you are looking for, e.g. how big a car do you want and what's your annual mileage? If under about 15,000 a year, go for petrol rather than diesel. As you're looking fo a car 3 or more years old, avoid VW Group automatics as the DSG may give trouble when the car is a few years old.

Unless your mileage is very high, I'd suggest something Japanese and petrol-powered or hybrid. The Auris you looked at could suit you, although I'm curious that you found it more 'interesting' than a Golf!

As others have said, if you wish to keep your car after the manufacturer's warranty is over, avoid the VW Group DSG cars as they can be troublesome or expensive to fix.

Some months ago I was looking to go auto, and in the end I went for Kia Ceed diesel auto which I have been happy with, but that may not have the prestige your may want; then again the Toyota wouldn't either. I did consider the Toyota Auris Hybrid but it seemed expensive for what it was, though should hold its value well and be reliable.

Apparently Ford are doing really good deals on the Focus as it is a runout model, and available with petrol EcoBoost engine with auto transmission - apparently the Ford transmission is supposed to be much more reliable than VW Group and more economical than torque converter autos.

If you want prestige, I haven't heard any horror stories on BMW auto boxes, so perhaps a diesel BMW may be worth looking at if you do a decent mileage.

Hi, If you require comfort, reliability and good fuel consumption Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol Auto.

Bought the tourer version 6 week ago and very pleased with preformance and all round ability, now done 1,200 ml and showing 40+ not bad on tight engine.

7 gear CVT Auto,+ paddles &sequential change.