I concur. Do not really buy a French car. Glad to see you do not want an SUV or people carrier.
Cars that spring to mind depending on your budget are starting from the top - All Diesel of course considering MPG and VRT.
Audi A4 New Model. Roomy and Safe and good value for money at entry level.
Volvo S40(Saloon) or V50(Estate). Great Value if you go for the Lux.
Toyota Avensis is a good option, great spec and safe.
The Skoda Octavia are quite good and the current model is basically a mock up of the (up to) 2005 Passat externally. Its a big car in comparison to others so consider this for parking. Do you need a car that long?(Saloon).
I had a Renault Laguna, unreliable and high depreciation. Garages simply do not want them.
I have a 307HDI and it was good but french design to tacky interior. MPG were good and suggested good safety, which thankyfully I never had to test.
The new Ford Mondeo is fantastic and always has been a good choice for the middle of the road budget and taste. The entry level model (Lx) is basic as basic is so try to enter the market at the Zetec level. Focus saloon is ugly, I had a 2005 zetec hatchback, lovely Zetec model. The 2008 Zetec hatchback looks great.
Im currently driving a 2006 Audi A4 Diesel S-Line. I cannot recommend it enough. I had a 2005(old shape) Passat prior to this.
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