UK request, small family hatch, ~£6.5k.

Hello WCSIB,

Some advice, if you please. My budget, ~£6.5k. I'll be driving to work and back every day on fairly busy but fast dual carriageways, occasional cross-country trips, and some city driving.

My candidates so far:

• Astra. Either 1.6 or 1.4T (1.4i reviews as weak-engined), some available 2012/2013 at decent trim levels
• Focus. 1.6, needs to be slightly older than Astra to come in under budget. Not very keen on interior, the dash in particular feels like it protrudes into the cabin space rather too much, feeling cramping.
• A3. 1.4turbo upwards. Again, quite a lot older. Most in budget are 2009/2010 - I've been advised that they are likely to be as reliable as a 2012/13 Astra would be, and that parts and servicing costs are pretty similar - thoughts?. IMO much more interesting option than the above.
• Leon. Love the new shape, not sold on the old shape. New shape too £££.
• Golf. See A3; certainly an option.
• Others; go Asian - i30, c'eed, Civic. Often better trim levels for less, good reliability. Civic obviously slightly more ££ than i30 and c'eed.
• ???

Some criteria:

• Dealer > private sale. I know there's a price premium, but they're maybe more likely to be serviced, often comes with warranties, free MOTs, etc.

• Petrol > diesel. Call me coy, but don't want to commit to a diesel with potential new legislation etc on the horizon - a lot can happen in the 3/4 years I hope to own the car, and I don't want depreciation to be given a helping hand. Disagree? Will potential risk of extra depreciation be offset by cheaper fuel costs?

• As you've probably guessed, I'd prefer something Golf-sized.

• This will be my first time as a policyholder, so nothing in the way of no claims, but some years prove-able as named driver on other policies - ideally faairly cheap to insure (as well as economical).

Thank you!