Thanks @kezo that’s extremely helpful. I will delete the two Nissans from my list on the assumption that you can’t even add full leather or leatherette as an option then? Shame, as I like the look of them, the Qashqai in particular.
I’m not too keen on the look of the Sportage but I don’t like the look of the Tucson either, yet I think it ticks every box spec wise, so I’ll take another look at the Kia. I certainly couldn’t live with the looks of the EV6, especially the back end which I think is hideous. Just my opinion of course!
The Volvo XC40 came second when we were looking for our current car. It lost out against the X1 in the end as we both preferred the exterior and interior of the BMW and I didn’t like the touch screen only (and odd shape) infotainment system. I suspect that the Motability versions are poverty spec given the APs but I’ve not looked into them yet. I think that it might also be a bit too small, especially the boot.
I suspect that the old Kuga Vignales will be gone by the time we can order. Again, we looked at the Kuga last time round and discounted it as the interior quality was woefully behind the BMW and the Volvo. Shame, as I like Fords.
My wife (who, after all, is the benefit recipient so has to have a say ? ?) does not want a French car, full stop. Not a major issue for me as I don’t like the low steering wheel setup that Peugeot use and I can’t stand the look of Citroens.
Personally I like the look of modern day Skodas, but my wife has the same mental block against them as she does French cars. We are old enough to remember the days when Skodas were about the worst cars on the road and the butt of many jokes, and my telling her that they are now amongst some of the best cars on the road falls on deaf ears ?.
I’m not interested in a Vauxhall. I had a number of them back in the 80s and early 90s in the days when they were as good as any of the other mainstream brands on the roads at the time , but I think they have been left behind nowadays and the last one I drove (previous generation Mokka) was easily amongst the worst cars I have ever driven (and I’ve driven hundreds)!
Once again, thanks for your help, which is much appreciated. I shall just look at them all on paper for now and then visit the dealerships next month when the Q2 list is out, as some may have dropped off the list by then and, fingers crossed, others may have come on.