I'd like a Mercedes-Benz A-Class but am concerned about reliability - what else would you recommend?

I'm driving my 5th Saab (currently an old 95 auto estate) and I drive up to 15,000 miles a year. I'm thinking about changing my car for a small diesel automatic and I like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but...

Recommend a long-lasting family car with room for five and a dog, with low running costs?

We are a family of 5 looking for a safe car that will last at least 10 very economical years and which can be serviced by our fantastic local backstreet garage. We need to get four of us in it regularly,...