We will shortly be replacing our seven year old Honda Jazz after 100,000 miles. Although much of our mileage is for trips under 15 miles on the European mainland, we drive to and from the UK at least once a year. We need an automatic that will be comfortable for these long trips; and I would prefer a diesel because of the European price advantage.

Honda don't seem to offer auto gearboxes for the 1.6 litre diesel and seem to have abandoned the Accord segment (we had three Accords before the Jazz).

Another problem with the Jazz has been the air conditioning. In the height of the Italian summer, the system freezes up after about 120km. We have to stifle for 20 minutes or so until the ice melts and we can restart it. The new car has to have a grown-up system capable of running for two to three hours at a time in hot weather.

Given that the garage will take up a car up to 4.6 metres, and a budget of £25,000, what do you suggest?