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Skoda Fabia estate, 1.2 turbo, would be good. Or the 1 litre 3 cylinder. (mind you, no idea of actual models available in the UK)
I've driven a few of the newer Honda Jazz models - apart from clever use of space they're a pretty average driving experience. But without any frame of reference you may not mind them.I'm always going to suggest these - T9 series Peugeot 308 - safe, modern, light and rate very well for reliability. And they use a japanese made 6 speed auto, not DSG so will be smoother in slow moving traffic. Large hatch/boot. compared to other hatches.
Budget: flexible but I don't think we will use it all that much.
Usage: seeing family and weekends away, plus IKEA trips etc. I would expect 99 percent of the time we will be driving away from London from here.