Hi Mark,

I think your first port of call should be a Skoda Octavia, specifically the Combi estate (which makes a terrific family car — plenty of space in the back seats, and a massive boot for buggies and luggage) with either the 1.2 TSI or new 1.0 TSI petrol turbo engines. Really good economy on both, but sufficient performance for those occasional longer journeys.

If you want to make the switch to hybrid power, have a good look at the Toyota Auris Sport Tourer estate hybrid. Like the Skoda, it has a massive boot and has excellent quality and reliability prospects. Fancy something a touch sportier? How about a Peugeot 308 SW with the 1.2-litre PureTech turbo petrol engine? It's handsome, sharp to drive and really roomy. Decent quality too. If you can hang on until the summer, Ford will be launching the new Focus, which will be pretty spacious as a hatchback, and even more so as an estate - and has the option of the brilliant 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.

Still worth seeking out the current model, and you’ll get a good deal on a run-out version. Ditto the Kia Ceed SW estate, which is a cracking car, that’s also about to be replaced.