Stick or twist? Advice on next car please!

[NR91]

Hi, just looking for some advice/opinions here! I'm a 22yo student (been driving for 5 years) who's been running an '06 Grande Punto for the past 2 years, and while I still like my car a lot, I keep finding myself dreaming of owning something else. The car is comfortable and looks great to me, but the way I see it, if I'm going to get under 40mpg on a motorway run, I either want a car that can get more mileage and feel more comfortable at 70mph+, or a more exciting car to drive which returns similar economy. I'm not entirely sure what I could get for the Punto so here are some details:

- Blue
- 1.4 8v Active Sport 3d (2006)
- 88,000 miles
- Recent service and cambelt change
- Tax and MOT
- Good tyres, mechanically sound
- Cosmetic issue - Left offside wing has dent and bumper is slightly displaced due to someone bumping it overnight.

I have 2 cars in mind when it comes to a replacement - mainly thanks to what I've been reading on here. With a £2k-ish budget.

Option 1 - the motorway cruiser
I understand that the Volvo S60 D5 is a firm favourite here, and I really like the look of these, despite everyone around me telling me they look 'old' and 'boring'. But they look so comfortable, and I'm tempted by the idea of a large car as I transport friends and family a fair amount. I'm really interested in a facelift D5 around the £2k mark but I'm just terrified of large running costs. Could anyone who has any knowledge about these cars spare a little advice? I understand the engines can run for miles without issue, but what kind of yearly running costs would I be looking at doing 8,000 miles pa? And what are the major issues I should be aware of?

Option 2 - the pocket rocket
I keep looking at Clio 182s at the £2k mark. My biggest issue with these is the £260 road tax cost, which is double my current car, but they seem like great value for money. Obviously the car will eat a little more fuel than the Punto, but if I have more fun doing it, then I don't mind. Can these be run on a low budget, or are there secret £££s waiting to be spent on running it?

Option 3 - keep the Punto
I could just keep the car, but really I'd like your opinion on what you reckon I should do!

Are there any other options I should look at? Any help is much appreciated!!!

[if in doubt]

182's are ok on fuel as long as you don't commute in town. Just make sure the cambelt has been done as it's a £500/£600 job every 5 years/72000 miles. OEM exhaust is mild steel which loves to rust and costs ~£900 to get the genuine Renault one, most people go after market when it fails. Pistonheads have a pretty good buyers guide somewhere if you google it.