Thanks for the ideas. I’ll rule out the Mazda though - gutless non turbo engines are so flat to drive. Really don’t like the revvy nature but no real go. I used to have a cx3 and moved it on because the engine was so flat. Personal preference I guess.

A shame Mazda didn't bother to import the current Mazda3 in 2 litre turbo form - essentially the same basic engine as the petrol CX-3, but more than twice the power of the standard SA-G unit. And it's a TC auto.

Only in North America, Down Under (I believe) and parts of Asia.

Essentially a more modern, refined version version of its former MPS model.

I'd personally go for the BMW if you want an auto - I still don't trust VAG DSG boxes, especially second hand ones where you don't know how they were treated (driven - hopefully a car not that old will have a FSH) and how much life the 'auto' box's clutch pack, etc has in it.

Similarly, unless you do more than 20,000 (maybe even 25,000) miles per year or regularly tow heavy loads, then a diesel isn't really warranted for such cars.

They are also likely to be those that get the swingeing ULEZ-type bans / usage penalties - going into big cities like London needs a diesel car roughly 10 years younger [EU6 / ~2016] than a petrol one [EU4 / early 2000s], and with the current lot in government, those type of arrangements are highly likely to be significantly expanded / uprated over the next few years.

Many modern petrol-engined cars are very fuel efficient for their performance, so I'd personally go for one of them. Additionally, they will likely command a premium (as is increasingly the case now) as diesel falls out of favour, not just because of the above.

I'd probably go for the BMW 1-series. I'd avoid the upper models, including the 4WD and MSport versions due to the overly firm ride and higher likelihood / financial consequences of those ultra low profile tyres and big alloys needing replacement because of punctures, kerbing etc. I'd personally go for the 118i 1.5 Sport, and then you could get something almost new. Better reliability than the other two makes, in my view, including their own dual clutch auto box.

Admittedly, the saloon versions of all the cars you're looking at are, IMHO, far more stylish than the hatch versions (the BMW 1-seires is much better on that front than the car before).

My current 2 series bmw is an 8 speed torque converter auto. Has the 1 series gone to dct?

Not sure about the 1 Series, but I think some versions are DCT and some T/C. Pretty sure all A3's are DCT and I think the A Class will be too.

I just don’t like revvy petrol engines in a premium car.

Petrol versions of these cars will all be turbo and therefore not "revvy" (unless you choose to drive them that way). Peak torque will be available at no more than 2k rpm and possibly as low as 1.5k rpm.

Also never seem as economical as they’re supposed to be.

No car is as efficient as it is supposed to be (by which i mean manufacturers claims), but plenty of forum members have had cars (ranging in size up to the Skoda Superb) with the VAG 1.4TSI engine and got very good economy if driven sensibly.

Surprised you let a Mazda CX 3 go ?

It would be my number one choice in that lovely red metallic and auto . Total reliability , great build quality !