Which is the best petrol automatic MPV?

My wife is thinking of changing her excellent Toyota RAV4 petrol automatic for a smaller vehicle which is a petrol automatic with a chain cam engine. Reliability is paramount, followed by ride quality and quiet running at motorway speeds. You recently recommended the Mazda 3 1.6 auto but are there any others she should consider? She likes the look of the KIA Venga for its relatively high seating position but doesn't know if it will be as reliable as the Mazda and whether it offers ride quality and quietness at speed.

Asked on 16 June 2012 by PP, via email

Answered by Honest John

I like Mazda 3s but yes, also consider the KIA Venga 1.6 auto or the equivalent Hyundai ix20 1.6 DCT (the KIA has a 7-year 100,000 mile warranty and the Hyundai has a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty). A Nissan Note 1.6 auto is also chain cam, but gets replaced by the new Invitation model next year. The Honda Jazz CVT-7 is chain cam and the Toyota Verso S 1.33 Multidrive S is also chain cam.

Tags: automatics mpvs ride comfort reliability

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Related models

Kia Venga (2010 - 2019)

Spacious back seats and wide-opening doors. Easy to drive and park. Good visibility. Decent boot capacity.

Mazda 3 (2009 - 2013)

Stylish looks. Excellent steering and handling. Good quality interior. Impressive 2.2-litre chain cam diesel engine. Facelifted for 2012 and even better.