Motability car with electric features

lostCCJ

I've spent days researching and am struggling to find the perfect car for my increasingly disabled mum.
She needs a small/compact SUV (i.e. she really wants a small car but needs the height to be able to more easily stand).
It must have:

1. Automatic [NB: ideally with push-button operation or, at least not need something to be squeezed to change into drive]
2. Keyless entry and push start/stop (can't twist)
3. Electric boot opening and close (ideally the close should not require her to raise her hands above her head i.e. be like the Ford one where keys can close)

If at all possible, it should have:

1. Push-button automatic 
2. Electric handbrake
3. Rear view camera (to reduce neck movements beyond 90 degrees)
4. Self-park (to reduce neck movements beyond 90 degrees)

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Herzlos

I'm going to say something potentially unpopular, but if she can't view her blind spots*, lift her arms or twist hands comfortably then have you had a look at whether she *should* be driving?

For what you'll spend on a car, you could get a lot of taxis where she can get her indepdence but without the risks, and the driver will probably be able to help her between car and house.

*Rear view cameras only work when reversing, so not much use in general driving.

Scot22

I agree with Herzlos.  I investigated this a lot a few years back.Financially almost certainly be better giving up car and using taxis.  Personally saving a lot of hassle finding parking space and parking.  I appreciate a tough decision but please give it serious thought.  For short distance why not look at mobility scooter but perhaps too many difficulties.
Very sorry about her condition, hope it can slow down.  Very Best wishes.

lostCCJ

Thanks for those comments and your kind words.

She is safe to drive (OT) I'm keen, like we would with any disabled person at work, for example, to give her as many aids as possible to increase safety and make it easier on her.

Very open to suggestions of cars

Scot22

Given it some thought, could want these specs without mobility issues.  I suggest contacting a couple of reputable dealers and discuss this with them. It's their job to be able to make informed suggestions.  Get them to work for a sale.
I like Hyundai ix20 and Kia  Venga but not sure about all your wishes.  Smaller cars tend not to be so highly specced .
Good luck.

Oneye12

Have you tried Motability UK ?

https://www.motability.co.uk/c/everyday-freedom/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu-msrIjx8AIV5OjtCh1oRAjGEAAYAiAAEgIxbPD_BwE

Their quarterly magazine review cars suitable for disabled drivers and possible adaptions for individuals; and go from small up to SUV's and vans for wheelchair entry.

If you are not going for scooter carrying (as SUV would) then consider small.

I would forget electric handbrake as unrelible. No sure about rear view as parking and reversing have always relied on mirrors which are more useful than camera.

As stated above, go to a showroom and find out what they have to offer, including adaptions which every salesman should know about.

room512

We have a car on Motability and we went for a Mini Clubman. It has most of the features that you want although some would be extras but you can get them as a pack.   Might be worth a look. Was expensive but is very nice to drive and on Motability once you have the car all you need to pay for is petrol. 

poppy12345

room512 said:

We have a car on Motability and we went for a Mini Clubman.

Although it's a very nice car, i would think that this would be very low, especially as the OP has requested a SUV because of the drive height. I also have a mobility car and would advise the Mini Countryman for height, rather than the clubman. I don't know if mini are still doing the 48 hour test drives but OP could always ask.

Bonniepurple

For those suggesting Motobility, you can ONLY get a car through them if you get higher rate PIP on mobility.  You can’t go to a dealer and take out finance on an adapted vehicle if you don’t get that rate of PIP.  Pensioners can’t make a new claim for PIP, although they can claim Attendance Allowance- which doesn’t allow them to claim for a car.

poppy12345

Bonniepurple said:

For those suggesting Motobility,

No one has suggested it. OP has posted asking questions specifically regarding motability.

Keep_pedalling

Oneye12 said:

I would forget electric handbrake as unrelible. 

And your evidence for this is? 

My current golf and in the previous one electric handbrake with auto-hold have worked flawlessly. You don’t even have to think about applying or releasing the break and hill starts are totally stress free. They may be more expensive to fix if there is an issue, but the benefits for the OPs mother outweigh the risk of an expensive repair once the warranty runs out.