Thanks for some very useful information.
Thanks one and all for your quick responses and some very useful information. We are looking at a Ecoflyer with a 2.0 engine, but maybe an upgrade to a 2.0s might be advantageous in the future. Hangarage is an issue we might have to address, but adds to running cost so would have to see how it impacts on the affordability of upgrading.
Our 172 is IFR equipped so that's something which we would like in its replacement, although a lot of ecoflyer's for sale are only N/VFR.
I have seen the mistral 2.0s Ecoflyer in the flesh at aero expo and all I can say is come on lucky lotto numbers :-)
The DA40 is also very much in consideration, though I think I'd stick with the centurion 2.0 engine and in time upgrade to 155 GP.
Thanks again, and keep the thoughts coming,it's very helpful when adventuring off type!!