Celica ST Generation 6 - A nice coupe, 1.8 engine, FWD. It's a nice looking car but the engine only produces 115BHP more or less. So you have a nice looking car but not a lot of grunt in those front wheels. Apparently this car handles great for a FWD. You could stretch to the GT or GT-4. I believe the GT has 150BHP and the GT-4 is 200+ with AWD.
Primera SRi/GT - These 2 as they are the better looking trims; spoilers, alloys wheels etc. I have a Primera SRi, having only 130BHP you'll still be surprised with what it can do. Unfortunately I haven't experienced the GT version as Im still waiting for Ollie to offer me a ride.:wasntme: These 2 are well with in your price range, both are FWD.
Mazda MX-5 1.6 or 1.8 - Not very spacious cars, but they are both RWD so it may suffice? The 1.6 is I think 120BHP or so and the 1.8 is 140BHP. The 1.8 clears a 0 - 60 time in 7 seconds so you'll be more than entertained with this little car.
Mazda MX-3 - I think these come in a V6 engine? 2.0 I believe? You can get these fairly cheap, being a V6 it'll be a smooth ride Im assuming. I dont know much about this car but the V6 engine does sound good.
Lexus IS200 - A nice saloon car, you can get these in your price range if you're lucky, there are plenty of people who want rid of these. I think they come with a 2.0 Inline 6. So it'll be smooth. It comes with 150BHP and is rear wheel drive. I think insurance isn't so bad on these. Im 19 and I can get a pretty nice price.
Almera - Im not so sure about these cars, but Im assuming that they come with the same specs as the Primera.
Nissan 100NX - A car I previously owned, not a bad car. The looks are either you hate it or like it, but it comes with a pretty nifty GA16DE engine. 105BHP, FWD, removable targa roof, all the stuff you need I guess.
Turbo/NA Shopping trolleys - The Glanza.. GT Turbo.. Suzuki Swift GTI.. Well whatever people have mentioned above.
Mazda 323F - The old one, Im not sure about the engine power or anything, but who doesn't like pop up head lights, I sure do love them.
Mitsubishi Colt - They come in 1.6 engines, Im talking about the old ones though.
Civic - Need I say more?
I hope I've helped.