Replacing a 2011 Octavia estate 1.6mpi - what wold you get?

Our 2011 Octavia estate 1.6mpi (sports suspension) has about 55k on the clock and has been amazing but it's getting to that point where it's age is catching up and we will probably be looking to replace it if any big jobs come up.  With that in mind it's probably best to have an idea of what we'd be looking for in case we need to move quickly.  Husband loves the car and we've had it since new.  He is wary about going to the showrooms for a look as he thinks he'll walk out with a new car and he doesn't want to just yet .  Our kids are grown up now so not sure whether we need anything as big but have been directed towards a new Octavia, Scala, Karoq or Kodiac.  We don't do huge miles so definitely looking at a petrol but the 1 litre or 1.5?  What would be the "must have" models/specs/options.  Will obviously do a bit of our own research but just wondered if there was an obvious choice. Rapidly approaching 60 and potential retirement and maybe a dog.  Would be mixed town/country/motorway driving. This would probably be our next to last car and we also have a Citigo - well 2 actually but our boys share one.  The Citigo is the surprisingly smart choice for tall people btw.  

Thanks for any help or suggestions