You need to research for the lowest insurance group rating car.
It's all changed recently apparently, but as a general guide most cars with a 1.0 liter or less engine will fall into that catergory.
Does he want and 'need' street cred?
I actually quite like the Smart car,mainly because youngsters can't pack all their mates on board who then 'egg them on' to go faster.
Corsa, 106, Aygo/C1/107 p'raps?
The newer the better for ncap crash ratings. You want at least 4* now imo.
All insurance is going to be horrendous...especially for lads.
Growler jnr was bought a Hyundai Getz 1.0 last year.
Group 3 rating. ?1920 TPF&T for his first year
with pass plus. Eye wateringly horrendous, but at least it's in his own name, and with Quinn Direct (who he's with) he is actually allowed to drive absolutely ANY other car (TPF&T only though) with owners consent, apart from 4WD or commercial.
Cheapest by far for this postcode area.