If you want something of a similar size to your Clio, I'd echo FiestaOwner's recommendation of a VAG car with the excellent 1.0TSI engine. Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza will offer best value for money, VW Polo and Audi A1 are both available with the same engine but will be either older for the same money of more expensive for the same age. The engine is available with two power outputs, 94 or 110bhp, both will offer much more pep than your Clio.

Another option well worth consideration is the Suzuki Swift with the 1.0 Boosterjet (turbo, like the VAG cars). These are very reliable and very spritely as a result of being very light. There is also a Swift Sport with a 1.4 turbo if you wanted even more pep, later versions of these are mild hybrid and should just about be in budget.

Another couple of options if you were to consider something smaller. VW Up GTI is well within budget range here and uses the same 1.0TSI (albeit with 115bhp) as the other VAG suggestions, but in a smaller and lighter package. Also, the current shape Hyundai i10 is just within budget with the 1.0 turbo engine, while there probably won't be many to choose from, you may get lucky and find one reasonably local.