Micra 1.3 (cheaper then the 1l) and 11 seconds to 60 which is nippy enough.
1.3 Ka, fun handling little car
106 1.1 or 1.4 nippy and fun.
306 1.9TD or 2.0 HDI is quick and CHEAP insurance!
Few years ago I had a punt on a 405 1.9 TDI when funds were really poor. Car was ugly but top spec, cost nothing to buy, insure or run. Was pretty nippy, engine was cracking and was cosy inside. You could literally afford to throw it away if it let you down badly.
Eventually it did (gearbox and oil cooler. It did have 200k on the clocks).
Got more than half what I paid for it when I sold it on, it was back on the road the following week.