Saab 9-3 hatchback – tons of room for bikes with the rear seats down (up to 3, or more if you take em to bits) and great pokey (if noisy) 2.2 TiD engine with mid-40s fuel consumption, great driving position and the most comfortable seats in the world. Get leather and it's easy to keep clean.
TiD pretty bulletproof, just needs regular servicing and cleaning out of all the filters that can clog with diesel grime. Mine is on 141K miles and rising fast.

Petrol Turbo cars OK but frankly not much faster than the diesel and with at least 12 less MPG………..apart from the Aero, which flies and is a good enthusiastic driver's car (need to ensure suspension tight, though, and that steering rack clamp is installed to ensure minimal torque steer and generally less baggy handling – diesels seem much better on this, probably due to heavier engine).

Hope that helps – agree with you about most French cars (cardboard and plastic engineering). Final point – always use a specialist for your servicing and repairs, not a main dealer (at least as knowledgable, less smarmy and half the cost!)

Politics guys (n gals) – if we're fed up with 3 parties all vying for the centre n wrapping themselves in the union jack and making personal attacks because their 'manage the system' politics are all pretty much the same,then it's up to us to find a real alternative or create it.3 toss-pot capitalst managers excite no-one and make us all cynical – so let's get off our arses and do what people in Greece,France and many other parts of the world do – say screw your system,we will not pay for your crisis,stop us if you dare…………..in short,be realistic – demand the impossible! There's a whole other world out there.

Next – the pros and cons of trailcentres………

A14>A11,turn L at second Thetford roundabout and entrance to High Lodge Forest Centre is about 4 miles up on your L……………or put more simply,LEARN TO READ A MAP!