I have a MK5 Golf 140 bhp diesel which after putting decent tyres on and having it mapped is pretty fun to drive. Can get between 55-60 mpg on longer drives and is only £135 a year road tax.
After moving to a more rural area I had to pick up a cheap 2nd car so I didn’t leave my Mrs stranded whilst at work. I picked up a Mk4 Golf GTI 1.8T. S reg (1998) with only 98,000 miles and FSH for £1200 from Gumtree and to be honest it’s in fantastic condition for its age and is completely standard. I feel it’s better built than my newer Golf and tend to spend more time in the older car.
Had an Ibiza FR previously and can recommend that as a fun car to drive. Bit hard on the roads and always paranoid I’d get a flat if I went through a pothole in the winter.