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In addition to the Corolla, I'd add:
a) Mazda3 (gen-4) 2.0 Skyactiv-X (180PS) SE-L or SE-L Lux shod on 16in rims (better ride than on 18in without much penalty in grip/handling). Decent real-world mpg likely around the high 40s unless thrashed.
Both the hatch and saloon (Fastback) are real lookers, inside and out. The hatch has a much smaller boot (about 360L vs 450L) but is far more accessible due to the small opening (aperture) of the Fastback. Far more hatch versions around (especially Sport spec and above) than Fastbacks. I think the SE-L specs are the best value as they have most of what people need, including climate control.
The CX-30 (Crossover version of the Mazda3, still handles well) would suit you nicely except that as it's only been out since 2019 and the starting price is higher than the Mazda3, it's likely you might not find one in your price range except, perhaps the lower powered Skyactiv-G (120PS) version. Decent boot size at 430L and hatchback opening.
b) SEAT Leon (2016-2020 version) either the last of the 1.4TSI (150PS version best, 125PS version fine) or the (should be now fixed on the design fault) 1.5TSI replacement (150PS or 130PS alternatives as before).
The FR spec (all independent suspension, lower spec only on front) is the best in my view but later cars are only shod on 18in rims rather than 17in which firms up the ride perhaps a bit too much. Higher interior spec than an equivalent Golf 1.4TSI GT (which only has manual A/C rather than climate control).
If you consider it, you HAVE to go for an extended test drive, including on roads with no-so-good surfaces to see whether you can tollerate the firmer ride.
The lower specced SE / SE technology (which probably comes shod on 16in rims and decent profile tyres, but only has manual A/C) is probably better on ride quality, and the 1.2 / 1.0 (1.2's replacement) TSI is actually quite nippy at just under 10sec for the 0-60 time.
Very good real-world mpg, especially the 1.4TSI (both versions, but the 150 is best) which gets mid-high 40s average and still performs well as appears to the most well regarded of the bunch, followed by the 1.0 TSI.
I prefer the 3dr 'SC' version of the Leon for styling, but you may find it doesn't have quite the space you need - I think that it sacrifices some rear legroom (though not apparently boot space, which is ~20L better than the Mazda hatch) over the 5dr hatch. The 'ST' estate is nice (good boot space) but has a more limited spec line-up with more upper spec and/or diesels - less petrols to choose from
With both cars, do your homework on dealerships as they can be quite hit and miss on the post-sales experience, some good, some bad (rather like Ford in my view). The Toyota dealership experience is likely to be far better. My Mazda's dealer is generally fine, other owners have bad experiences with theirs.
Reliability-wise, the Toyota will be best, but the other two are generally fine, especially as you're avoiding second-hand diesels (particularly Mazda diesels).
You may find that there's no much stock around in your price range for the Toyota and Mazda because they both only appeared in 2019.
One final thing to make sure of is that whatever you get, it comes with a spare wheel / tyre. Many now don't as standard and many people forget to buy one. They should all take a space saver variety, though upper specced cars may use that underfloor area for the ICE.
Mazda (last time I checked) charge a whopping £400 for one, not sure what the others do, but it probably somewhat cheaper. With a bit of homework and luck you may be able to source a quality equivalent via online sources.
Some, like the Mazda, need the boot floor to go up a bit to accommodate the space saver, which reduces the available boot space.
Worth doing extended test drives on whatever you look at and on a varety of different types / speeds of roads to test out performance, handling and ride comfort. Make sure you take your time to adjust both the driver's seat and steering wheel position to the best you can to ensure you get the most representative test.
It may not be 'entertaining' (handling-wise) to drive, the equivalent Skoda Octavia (2013-20) might be worth a look as it is based on the same floorpan as the Leon and Golf - it's just that it is a bigger (longer) car. The TSI engines appear to still pull well (by all accounts, including from fellow Backroomers), especially the 1.4 TSI 150PS version, and it does have the benefit of a huge (590L) boot.
If you want an auto, I'd avoid the VAG cars with their DSG dual cluch gearboxes as it's nigh on impossible to find out the driving pattern of a previous owner, as they are suited to driving at reasonable speeds and not (reliability wise) stop-start driving in heavy traffic.
The autos from Mazda (TC) and Toyota (CVT) are fine reliability wise, the Mazda smoother but saps some power (still fine with the higher output SA-X engine); the Toyota gets a little whiny but really only when pushed hard. The newer-designed 2.0 engine has a 'proper' 1st gear, and thus that effect is lessened as it only (automatically) switches to the CVT part after you get up to about 10-15 mph or so.
Manual gearbox on the Corolla only available on the non-hybrid 1.2T, which has ok performance, about the equivalent to the Mazda3 in Skyactiv-G (120PS) form. Autos on the Mazda harder to come by. I like them though, having test drove one in the previous version (gen-3) of the car in 2017, and if I replace my 16yo Mazda3, I will go for an auto this time.
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