I'd go naturally aspirated as he's looking for reliability. 2 very nice cars I've owned that fit the bill have been the mk4 V6 4motion and the E46 BMW 330ci. Both sound lovely are well made and are capable of 30mpg on a long run.
I had the BMW for two years and it was an absolutely beautiful car with one of the strongest engines BMW have made. Quick enough too! I drove from Surrey to Cornwall a few times and remember getting out of the car feeling as fresh as a daisy. Supremely comfortable.
The Golf was lovely too, in deep pearlescent blue with cream leather and 4 wheel drive so perfect for our dreadful and long winters.