Saxo VTR, great car, light, cheap, easy to fix, great handling,simple and 40+ mpg. People say that they have a bad image but that should not put you off.
Watch for failing clutch, rear beam and head gasket problems. Some seem to rot very badly where the boot floor meets the inner whell arch and under the ecu as well.

If the 1.6 8v VTR is too high n insurance then its sibling, the 1.4 forte, is not a bad car and quick nippy. Could also check out the pug 106 quicksilver as well (same shell and share many parts with the saxo)

I might get flamed for suggesting a french car on here but thats life!

Good luck with what ever you get mate