Need a new (secondhand) car - please help!

[CarConundrum]

I really need a new (secondhand) car but don't even have the first clue of what make or model I should be looking at. Can anyone help me narrow it down? We only have the one family car so it needs to be all things to all people:

Big enough to accommodate 4 adults (or 2 adults and a big load of university possessions between London and Manchester).
Small enough for a new driver to feel confident in, also cheap to insure.
Engine smaller than 1.6l due to expensive tax / parking permits for larger vehicles Manual transmission, 4 doors, petrol engine.
Something there are plenty of secondhand ones for sale so I can shop around and get a bargain. I prefer to buy outright I think, but don't want to spend more than £8k.
Obviously as new and as low mileage as I can get for the money!
Would be so grateful for any pointers!

I have been driving a battered Renault Scenic for the last ten years but this feels too big for my soon to be qualified kids to drive and it's becoming unreliable. I was wondering about a Fiesta or Focus ?

VW Golf is the archetypal “all things to all people” car. I get a company car, and always choose a Golf. I’ve had a couple of privately owned ones too. I’ve had everything from sporty petrol engines to the diesel estate version. None have ever let me down.

Or a Skoda Fabia. People will tell you that VWs and Skodas are the same, but my Fabia estate was riddled with mechanical problems. DH has had good experiences with Skoda Octavias, but they are bigger than what you are looking for.

My Fabia saw two kids through from stalling learners to competent drivers and never missed a beat even when DS 'parked' it in a field. I finally traded it in when it had close to 150k on the clock.

Dacia sandero

VW polo or golf
I have a 2014 polo and it's been great

VW and Skoda are the same except in name and price. My Karoq and DH’s Golf had exactly the same dash and everything. The T Roc is just like the Karoq.