Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Not expensive to insure for a new driver in 30s.

Even in your 30s your first year will be brutal. None of the cars you mentioned are likely to be that cheap to insure I would assume. If you're in London and the bulk of your trips are just around the North Cirular and shops then I wouldn't worry about a much smaller cheaper car. Obvs a bigger more solid car will be nicer for long trips up north - but how routine are those? I used to drive all over the country in a Ka. My gut would be to look at a small engine Feista for ~£1k, (whatever the modern version of the old 1.25l zetec) then in two years get something you want.

Get some quotes for the cars you've mentioned, add the total and then double check if any lease deals will give you free insurance.

A Spanish work mate who'd been driving since 17yo with no UK NCB really struggled. But yet got close to free insurance with his Cupra R lease.

Polo 9n3.
Drives like a bigger car than they are, really well built/solid feeling. Don't drive exciting though, comfy city car that can happily sit on the motorway. Whereas the newer 6r model drives better but honestly feel like a kia inside, not as good on main roads.

Wouldn't bother spending much on a first car, you will ultimately kill it.

Honda Jazz.

Have a look and see what classifies as s classic. It would certainly keep insurance low, but you may need the use of another car.