Please help me choose!

[swd80]

Currently drive a VW Touran 2.0tdi which, while there is nothing technically wrong with it, doesn't set my pulse racing. Split up from the missus in the summer and she has just offered to buy the Touran from me so I'm on the lookout for something a bit less 'family man' and a bit more 'single guy'.

I commute 9 miles each way, but I'm working on a short term contract, so could be commuting anything up to 30 miles each way in a couple of months time. I'd expect my annual mileage to be 15K-20K.

My budget is around the £10K mark, but I could spend a bit more if I know the car will be economical and fairly reliable.

My priorities are:

• Automatic
• Fast
• Good handling
• Stylish
• Well built / quality feel
• Not hugely thirsty
• Room for 2 kids (6 and 2)
• Nothing really old

I would think the default option would be a 330D or 530D, in M Sport trim. I've driven both of these and they're very nice, but I'm wondering whether I could do better? The BMWs are so common now that they don't look as special as they used to (IMO).

The C250 CDi Sport has caught my eye, although they're a little more expensive than the BMW options. The C220 CDi Sport is more in my price range, but it infuriates me that these are thirstier than the C250 (I think it's down to the older-tech auto box?).

Any other suggestions please? Thanks for any help you can give!!