Some of PSA's automatics are robotized manuals. I hate to use the word "manual" for what for all intents and purposes is an automatic gearbox, but that's what they are. They took a manual gearbox and bolted a robot onto it that works the clutch and gearchange for you.
They seem to work well and get fuel economy comparable to a manual, but they're nowhere near as smooth shifting as a slushbox or dual clutch. They shift like a normal person, which is surprisingly annoying when you aren't the one doing the shifts.
If your mother are alright with that, I would say go for it. You could also check out the 307, it's the sister car to the C4. Or choose a car with one of the engines that got a normal slushbox.