Those models you listed all fit the bill perfectly and are certainly well within their budget although the Meriva and Fusion are both old designs so you may want to avoid them. The Meriva has actually just been repalced and the new version is very impressive indeed. You also might want to consider the Nissan Note or Skoda Roomster (very easy to get in and out of). There is also the new Kia Venga which is a very comfortable and easy to drive car. Automatics can be daunting for older drivers if they've never had one before, so it can often be easier to stick with a manual. However, if you're able to spend time with them so they can get used to it, an automatic is a viable option.