Thank you SO much, everyone - as someone who knows nothing about cars, and who doesn’t really have anyone who can assist, you’ve been beyond helpful. Could I ask what thoughts are on Vauxhall Astras and Audis (A1 or A3)? Thanks!

I'm starting to get the impression that you are looking for something with a bit of image, with the Volvo V40 mentioned before and now Audi's?

In todays market your budget isn't that big, especially since you are after an automatic (which, as a small or small-ish car is going to be dearer than an equivalent manual) which means that your car is probably going to be older than you'd like. That factor is going to be worse if you are after something with a more desirable badge, so your car will be even older without offering any advantage over the cars which have been put forward (other than image). You say you don't know anything about cars which is fair enough, but one of the best things to think about regarding cars is to keep it simple.

In the case of an Audi A1 or A3, a £7k automatic will have the same type of automatic transmission as the Volvo V40 you were warned away from. That is a dual clutch automated manual, generally referred to as a DCT but some makes choose their own moniker (DSG for VW, Seat and Skoda, S Tronic for Audi, Powershift for Ford) . They are complex and don't tolerate abuse, so reliability is a hit or a miss. Personally I'd leave well alone. What you want is a CVT (unless the car is a Nissan) or a t/c (torque converter) auto.

The Astra is better news. Most reliable would be the n/a 1.6, but the 1.4 turbo isn't too bad and adds a welcome dose of extra muscle, both use a t/c auto.

One last thing to bear in mind if you want more power and/or a more desirable badge is the insurance cost. As a first car, even if you aren't that young, insurance cost could be quite high.