[jumpy]

Forget Vauxhall and Rover... (I say this as a former 216GSI owner). Crappy reliability and build quality imo.
go for a Ford- you can't go wrong as they are ten a penny.
Escort - getting a bit long in the tooth.
Fiesta - just too small and pokey, plus anything except the ST or as was the XR2i is a girls car.
Focus - ok I guess, but not my cup of tea.
Mondeo - seems to be a good choice, good solid cars and for 4K you could get a really good second hand one less than 7 years old with all the toys inside etc.