Africanlion
I've operated two Zenair 701s here in GB for the last twenty years in the Group A category at 500Kg. I had partial panels in both, supplemented by satellite derived information from a GPS. One, has the 80hp Rotax, the other the 100.
Subject to the rules of weight and maintenance prevailing in your country, I would endorse the 701 for your purpose. There is hardly a better Stol a/c on the planet. Here mogas is normally used. We do our own maintenance with certain items inspected and signed off by an inspector.
Fuel load is 90 liters (20 galls) to empty. 44lbs of baggage carried on rear parcel shelf - if need be. Unless you have a three axis auto pilot I wouldn't recommend flight in IMC in any a/c.
The 701 is simple, robust and does what it says in the blurb. An all round superb aircraft.