Proton - Compact

At today's low prices, Compact makes some sense. The Compact is big for a three-door supermini; the saloon and five-door hatchback are slightly squashed middleweight contenders. There's also a two-door coupe, a scarce but entertaining car for not a lot of cash.
Proton used recycled Mitsubishi technology extensively in the early Nineties, which is good news on the reliability front. Compact bears a close resemblance to the car that Mitsubishi sold here as the Colt. The Compact is perhaps a more successful design than the larger Persona, being nicer to drive, lively with 1.6 and 1.8 engines, and with more visual appeal.
Driving a Persona won't raise your pulse rate, but the engines are willing enough and handling is predictable and assured.