swmbo just bought a Toyota Yaris - 5 seats and 50mpg. Granted its tiny but makes sense for short journeys. I average about 9k a year, but if I did more I'd seriously look at a BMW 1 series diesel. Bog standard one does 0-60 in 7.6 142mph and at worst 47.9mpg. I doubt it tows much but I don't have a trailer or caravan. Horses for courses I guess. Do you get them over there? What about a nice Jag 2.7 twin turbo diesel, quick, comfy and tow anything you like?
Don't get me wrong I love V8's and V12's but you've got to live in the real world (the $8 a gallon world) or just resign yourself to treating your transport as also an expensive hobby - which is ok by me