Fuel wise the golf makes a lot of sense, and perfectly nice cars to drive and handle ok etc too.

Other option that seems a good choice in that price range is a clio renaultsport 172, will still do 35mpg and are great fun to drive and loaded with toys like aircon and leather etc, and are epic little trackday hacks into the bargain, im driving one daily this week in fact as the mrs is borrowing my car and its great, im really enjoying it.