The Fiesta and Mazda 3 are massively popular, boy racers have them a lot too. That said, the Polo isn't far behind them. All three are reliable brands so not much in it really.
Advantage with Ford is cheaper parts and repair costs, not that big a consideration if you are buying new, but if buying 2nd hand it should be born in mind. The insurance might be a bit cheaper on the Ford as well
I've also been thinking about getting a new car, a fairly small one mainly to get me to work and stuff. Had been thinking along the lines of Ibiza, Fiesta, maybe a Mazda 2 or 3, or a Polo, thought they're a bit more. Woiuld like an A3, but they're more than I really want to spend.
@luvgonzo if you're not gonna get the McLaren P1 then I'd have a look at a MINI or Polo, German built, decent looking, reliable with a bit of performance depending on the model
But no, I've always liked the looks of the Seat hatches ... Ibiza and Leon ... never driven one though
They're the same running gear and chassis as the A3, Polo and Skoda Fabia, but the residual value is pants in comparison to any of them. Plus they're built in Spain so they don't work in the afternoons