Best car for 17 year old new driver travelling long distances to college

[AlexanderHamilton]

Dd is 17 soon and is hoping to start driving lessons.

I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a decent, reliable car that will enable her to travel 40 odd miles to college each day, possibly with a passenger and occasionally carrying equipment (keyboard, mini amp etc) that is insurable for a young driver. She will have to be named as the main driver.

I had a 2003 Golf 1.4 when I was 17, and used to regularly do a 120 mile round commute to and from university. It was perfect for that.

A 2006> Golf or Audi A3 would be brilliant, providing insurance isn't too expensive. Just get one that's had as many services as possible (usually a good sign of a well looked after car).