Can you recommend a small, 'premium' car with more space than a BMW MINI?

My mother currently has a BMW MINI (her second) and she really likes the quality, quirkiness and reliability of the car. However it is now used as an only car for her and my dad, and is not big enough to be used for holidays, so she is looking to replace it with something larger that keeps the 'premium' feel, and yet still feels a little different to a standard 'Eurobox'.

It must also be reliable and have lowish depreciation with a budget of up to £20,000. I have thought of an Audi A1 (too small again?), MINI Countryman (ugly), Volvo C30, or possibly even the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but I am stuck in the Afghan desert for a few months with very limited internet access for research. What would you recommend?

Asked on 27 July 2010 by StuckInTheDesert

Answered by Honest John
Another newcomer is the Nissan Juke. See test at www.honestjohn.co.uk. The Giulietta MultiAir is also tested there.
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