Replacement car advice

I've currently got a mk1 octavia TDI with a RARB and a remap.

I'm happy with my car, I love it, but I'm no longer doing enough miles to justify keeping it (being driven gently around town on the school run does it no favours).

To this end I'm looking for something a bit more modern without losing the gadgets or sacrificing handling too much.

Requirements are:

1. Automatic

2. Petrol

3. Decent 0-60 - a larger N/A lump is preferred over a turbo as the less to go wrong with it, the better.

4. Good sized boot

5. Not keen on audi/BMW

6. Decent rear legroom

7. Handling that isn't barge-like.

8. Should have CC and volume controls on the steering wheel.

Budget up to 4k preferably, but 6k at a real stretch - it'll only end up covered in dents around here :(

The mk2 octy VRS has piqued my interest, but a bit wary of DSG problems and oil consumption (one has come up which I may go up to 4k on, but not willing to risk too much more on it).

The mk2 skoda superb with the 3.6 lump is fairly attractive, but concerned it's a bit too barge-like. The Mrs is keen on having decent rear legroom more than anything. It really stretches the budget though.

Any thoughts on a good buy?

When I browse about I kind of feel like most stuff is a bit over-priced atm.

Edited 2 November, 20187 yr by bspman