Get a Korean(KIA, Hyundai) or Japanese(nissan, toyota) crossover, unlike an SUV it's cheap, and unlike an SUV it's compact enough, unlike an SUV it's doesn't take too much fuel. And on the other hand unlike a car(like the ones people are suggesting) you can go on long trips comfortably, and unlike a car you won't have the suspension make your spine into jelly, unlike a car you can go off road, and it'll be more reliable and stable at the same time.
Believe me once you get a truck/suv or anthing else you'll never want a car again. BTW i checked, cars arent cheaper in UK, not even close (if you count the weirdo hippie local european brands and no one in the rest of the world cares about) check the intl website and then compare local UK prices of mainstream brands.
If you drive a vauxhall or volkwagen people will think you're a hipster