Which small automatic offers easy loading and a high seating position?

My eighty-year-old in-laws are looking to change from a Nissan Primera to something smaller for their final years' driving. Given that they need an automatic, space for a folding wheelchair (without a high lip to overcome) and a slightly raised seating position, what would you recommend? Is the new Renault Clio Sport Tourer a contender? Are there any side-hinged back doors, now that the Verso has gone?

Asked on 24 March 2012 by SS, High Wycombe.

Answered by Honest John

They should look at a Honda Jazz CVT-7 because the rear seat squabs can be raised enabling the wheelchair to be carried in the centre of the car where it is more accessible. Other alternatives are the Hyundai ix20 1.6 auto, KIA Venga 1.6 auto and Nissan Note 1.6 auto or, smaller, the Suzuki Splash, Vauxhall Agila, or Hyundai i10 1.2 autos.

Tags: large boot automatics high seating position wheelchair

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Related models

Honda Jazz (2008 - 2015)

Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.

Hyundai i10 (2008 - 2014)

Cheap to own. All models have airc on, five seatbelts and flat folding rear seats. Rides and handles quite well for its size. 99g/km Blue model from early 2011.

Kia Venga (2010 - 2019)

Spacious back seats and wide-opening doors. Easy to drive and park. Good visibility. Decent boot capacity.

Nissan Note (2006 - 2013)

Easy to drive and manouevre into small spaces, roomy cabin with plenty of headroom in the back, some clever and practical features inside, economical dCi diesels, well built.

Suzuki Splash (2008 - 2014)

Small yet tall five-door city car. High seating position. Rear seats fold flat. Auto is 4-speed torque converter. Highest first time MoT pass rate of any car.

Vauxhall Agila (2008 - 2014)

Surprisingly spacious small five-door city car. Makes best sense with 1.0 petrol engine. Much better than old Agila. Rebadged version of Suzuki Splash.