Phil indicated to me that the comfort of the family dog was important and he wanted a decent-sized square boot.I know that Phil has looked at a Skoda Fabia and he expected it to be much more spacious and practical than it was – he found it quite disappointing. However, one vehicle he did mention was the old Volkswagen Polo, which would probably fit the bill.In that case I would be inclined to look at the breed of smallish estates which often get overlooked because of the popularity of compact people carriers, yet are supremely practical and roomy.A CAR FOR THE HEADThe logical choice would be a newer Volkswagen Polo estate, but they can be quite pricey and the specifications are not always that generous. Within the Volkswagen group there are similar models, with different badges but, ultimately, the same engines.So it is always worth considering a Skoda Fabia estate, which I think Phil might find has better boot accommodation than the hatch version.A 2001 1.4 Comfort with 50,000 miles will be around £3,495. Even better would be the utterly underrated – but equally Polo-based – Seat Cordoba Vario. The 1.6 engine is more than adequate, it would return almost 40mpg and it is smart looking too.The equipment levels were very good and I came across several 1999 examples that had air conditioning (there was a cool model) and cost significantly less than £2,000.

A year 2000 X-plated example with the diesel TDI engine should return 57mpg, though it will be around £3,000, provided Phil does not mind a diesel-like mileage.Being a Volkswagen, but with a different badge, this generation of car is very reliable. Driving an Ibiza is pretty good fun too, with agile, predictable and very safe handling. It has a traditionally square rear end which I know is something that Phil and his dog will like.A CAR FOR THE HEARTOne model that Phil may not have considered is the Peugeot 206, which is a handy-sized estate with a big, well-shaped boot.There are plenty of engine options and logically the diesels are best for load-lugging ability, but I get the impression that Phil and his wife really only use their estate for light duties.With that in mind, the smaller petrols should be fine. Avoid the far-too-small 1.1 and go for the 1.4 which returns around 44mpg – this would be miles better than a Rover V6.When it comes to standard kit, the early models are poor, whereas XT trim will give everything you need – including air-conditioning, electric front windows and a CD player.I found a 2004 example with only 18,000 miles for £4,595, including a warranty, from a dealer. One thing that Phil and his wife have to do, however, is take a test drive as not everyone likes this car’s driving position.

The boot, though, should keep their dog very comfy indeed.The Peugeot has a bit more character than most with slightly odd styling (though as a Citro?owner this shouldn’t give Phil any sleepless nights), but compared with many small estates, its major attraction is excellent value for money.CAR CHOICEPlease write to Car Choice, Features, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or e-mail James Ruppert at carchoice independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and contact telephone number, as well as details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested as well as your budget.. To take command of a Facel Vega Facel II in the early Sixties was to experience earthbound jet travel in your own personal first-class compartment, with high-grade fixtures and fittings that, almost half a century on, have yet to be beaten for stylish flamboyance. Relaxing on fine English leathers, caressing a slim, deeply dished wheel, admiring a dashboard that combined the cabinet-maker’s artistry (in fact, it was painted metal) with the multi-dialled feel of a private aircraft, the Facel II owner of four decades ago was in the privileged position of driving not only the worlds most decadent and fashionable four-seater coup?but also the fastest.
Consider the figures: the automatic 355bhp, 6.3 litre Facel II of 1961 would lunge past 60 in 7.8 seconds, hit 100 in 21 seconds, and had a terminal velocity of 134mph.The Facel II is the most coveted of the 3,033 Facel Vegas produced from 1954 to 1964. It is a marque that attracted more interest and generated more excitement than many more sober companies, with histories 10 times as long.In one stroke, Facel effortlessly gatecrashed the elite ranks of the world’s most exclusive cars. Few first-time makers have ever established their identity with such a swift, sure touch as this Franco-American Grand Routier. As an exercise in upmarket branding, the new French supercar was a masterstroke.It is 40 years since le patron, Jean Daninos, built his Facel Vega cars.