Which small car for a disabled passenger?

Which new small car would be best for my friend's occasional use in the Isle of Man? It should be suitable for a disabled passenger (himself) to enter and exit the front seat, provide adequate space for a folding wheelchair, offer the best possible comfortable ride on the back roads of the island, and ideally be capable of local servicing and, if necessary, repair. In the past, Citroens would probably have fitted the bill but what would you now recommend?

Asked on 26 January 2013 by DY, Rocester, Staffs

Answered by Honest John
I suggest a Honda Jazz on 15-inch wheels, so the S, SE or Es rather than EX or Si, which have 16-inch wheels and consequently less rubber between the rims and the road. The Jazz has fold up 'magic' rear seats that allow things like wheelchairs to be stowed in the centre of the car. Or, of course, the new Ford B-Max of which the whole side opens up. They are both available as automatics.
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