Would you consider Volvo a premium brand? C30 (3 door) & S40 both in R-Design spec are loaded with toys, lovely interior, just about the most comfortable seats you'll ever sit in (not that you'll be in it long enough to worry, with you mileage!) and good value - not sure why they depreciate as much as they do. 2.0l engine is the minimum I'd recommend, but again, with your commute and from what you've said, the 1.8 would be sufficient (I had the 1.6 petrol S40 R-Design Sport, smashing looking car inside and out but diabolical performance!). Perhaps worth a look - bet you can't stop yourself checking out the C70 though!