Which small auto for learner driver?

[MartinPrince]

Hi good folks, my missus has decided she wants to start learning to drive and she's going with an "Automatic Only License". She's had a few lessons and is doing pretty well but she wants to get her own car so she can practice in it.
She's budgeted ~£7K just for the car, what should she be shortlisting for that kind of money?

 

[MartinPrince]

Many thanks folks. I've long used the "manual might come in handy one day" argument but my missus is Latvian and they can be stubborn as a mule! (I blame the Russians)

I already drive an EV so had an eye on that option but she is set on getting a yellow Ford Capri so I've had to talk her out of that notion and starting out with something she can dent up without too many tears.

The Yaris is coming up as one of the best options so I'll try keep an eye out for one of those.