What NEW car would you get..?

[Niall]

Also haven't confirmed wether this is £300pcm on lease, hire purchase or out right buy?

If it was me, i wouldn't want to be going for the typical VAG cars. They are just boring.
DS3 is affordable and a very very good car but a bit girly. They do a soft top which would suit you.
Kia Pro_ceed. Im biased and i hate to say it but the new shame Ceeds are nicely built and if you go for a 2 or above, you get shit loads of spec.
208. Ive never driven one but sat in one and again, they feel incredibly well built, the driving position is great and everyone so far seems to rave about them
You could also afford a base model 1 series. Again you get the BMW build quality (well so people say anyway, not seen it my self!) and 'prestige' of driving a BMW but i do believe a base model 106 from 1993 would have more spec. Like 4 wheels for a start...
Renault Clio? Personally i hate the look of the new ones but they are supposed to be a good car.

Alternatively if you can go for approved used (assuming your method is to get finance at a dealers), you could easily start looking at much better specd models.