If you want nice handling, economy, reliability, cheap bits and ease of resale plus half-decent insurance, you will not beat a Ka or an up to 2001 Fiesta. I agree the Ka's looks are an acquired taste and it may be a bit girly but to be honest I've always found that is the other persons point of view not mine.
Just watch out for rust and shot front suspension arms (and check the aircon if fitted. If it doesn't work negotiate a discount. If it DOES work, just expect it to pack up without notice).
I don't care what the McD's car park mob says, you cannot get a Polo or Corsa to ride nicely AND handle sweetly at the same time, you can have one or the other and the other usually involves stuffing monster rubber under the arches which then totally knackers the steering feel and makes it ride like it has concrete wheels.
You can't beat a Micra or Starlet for reliability but I suppose we all have our pride
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Saxo's and 106's are OK if you have small feet and don't intend to crash. I'm not biased, I had 2 106's but they don't compare to a Ka at all.
Clio's - some are good some are very bad - at your price point I'd steer clear, you may get a good 'un but you are more likely to end if with a ropey old dog that'll cost a fortune in electric bits.
Well said that man about the Peugeot 306, especially the diesel. If you could run to a DTurbo it's a bit of a stealth motor. We have an HDi (90BHP) estate and over a twisty road I can't imagine you'd need any more power - its the torque that moves you out of corners anyway. The ride and handling is sublime.
Don't even consider AX's and old Minis (got one of them too) as reliable first cars, far too fragile and, just well, old and er, unreliable. You'll need all your money for insurance and fuel.
Good hunting.