New car - suggestions please?

ShockingPink

I posted this on the Disability forum but only got 2 replies, so was looking for some further ideas please?

I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and currently drive an old-style Daihatsu Terios, but it's getting a bit past it now so need to look in to a "new" (i.e. about 1-2 yr old) car to replace it with. New style Terios is bigger, so don't really want it!

Essentials: automatic
power steering
high seat (terios is my bum level so perfect!)
Quite small (supermini size)
Boot needs to swing open like a door, rather than being up and over

All suggestions welcomed! I do miss my little Riley Elf....

kitchpoo

Unfortunately I cant think af anything that fits all that spec. with the stumbling block being the side hinged boot.

Suzuki Jimney? - Not sure if the tail is a side opening.
suzuki SX4 - ditto
Nissan Quashqui - not side hung tailgate and a bit bigger and a bit too new?
Renault Kangoo Trekka

Some superminis have high seats to increase the use of the small car...
Chevrolet Matiz
Hyundai Amica
Vauxhall Agila
Suzuki (Agila replica)

Is the side hung boot requirement because you cant reach the tailgate when fully up? If so a small saloon - or a length of strap. or even a winch mechanism fixed to the inside of the hatch boot might be an option?

Just thought of one - the Nissan Cube - been out only afew months but plenty of imports prior to this. Auto - I think optional, PAS, Side opening tailgate - But might be a little low to the ground.

ShockingPink

Thanks for those ideas! Yes - the tailgate would be difficult to reach and also I don't have much strength in my arms. With a side-opening one I can use a bit of body strength to shut it with...

kitchpoo

I think the Nissan Cube is the best compromise in that case - you dont get many tall, short saloons!

carcare

ShockingPink wrote: »

I posted this on the Disability forum but only got 2 replies, so was looking for some further ideas please?

Hiya
here are some of my thoughts on car with door style rear opening:
Suzuki Jimny and Vitara

Honda CRV but I guess a bit big

Mini Clubman

off the wall choice but again a bit big and is a van derivative? Tourneo Connect

Ther are also lots of aids available for getting in and out of cars plus some simple ideas for straps etc for pully down the nromal style up and over hatches
Good luck

MX5huggy

Citron Berlingo? Pug Partner?

kitchpoo

carcare wrote: »

Hiya
here are some of my thoughts on car with door style rear opening:
Mini Clubman

off the wall choice but again a bit big and is a van derivative? Tourneo Connect

Ther are also lots of aids available for getting in and out of cars plus some simple ideas for straps etc for pully down the nromal style up and over hatches
Good luck

I discounted the mini because of the height issue.

on the van derived style, how about a Mercedes A Class, or Vaneo. (Might have to go for something a bit older than expected) The Vaneo has a motorised floor for the boot which slides in and out. - but still a top hinged tailgate.

Dont think I have seen a car derived Transit connect though - which is why all the van drivers get caught speeding on dual carriageways as they should only be allowed to do 60. (Not a lot of Transit Connect drivers know that)

magpiedawn

Daughter just bought a to toyota rav 4 with side opening boot ,they do the smaller 2 door version,i dont know if this is what you might be looking for

ShockingPink

Thanks for all suggestions so far! I really don't want a van-derived car though (I know I'm picky!). One reason I really like my Terios is because it looks like a real 4x4 (until you see it parked next to a full size one!). Would love a Mini, but had to get rid of Elf cos of the height issue...

vikingaero

The side hinged tailgate is the killer. Otherwise I would suggest something like a Ford Fusion.

kitchpoo

Doesnt the Citroen C2 and C3 Pluriel have a drop down split tailgate arrangement?(both low down cars though)