Check with gf first if she can drive non hatch back small car.

Other than Perodua, Toyota Altis or Honda Civic cannot go wrong.

Honda Jazz 😍🔥✅

Since coming from myvi 1.3, then do long distance, want used.

I suggest proton iriz active. 1.6 used. A 2 year old car will be 10k less. Around 47k. Go for the highest spec, lots of difference between premium and standard.

Immediately go and do two things. Upgrade high spec Android player with bracket (shopee got factory style bracket for Android player), maybe cost 2k+ for Android with 360 camera. Stock HU is poor resolution. Responsive, but poor. I upgraded 360 Sony camera.

Next do high spec sound proof. Find the companies that do sound proof without voiding warranty.

(I did that for my wife.. Added 360 android. Only waiting time to get the sound proof done so that I get same isolation level like my sorento).

Reliable, yes. Driving pleasure, yes. Maintenance, well it's a reliable proton, before geely era. I bought mine used 2 year from carsome at 47k. I think the previous owner did not used the car a lot. 38k mileage, but drive like new. Car like new inside out. Then I also joined fb Iriz group. Can learn more stuff there. I like her car more than my almost 200k diesel kia sorento SUV since easy to drive in town, big windscreen glass. For daily commute, her car is easier to manoeuvre, better FC. Comfortable seats. Fun to drive, good pickup. Engine to me is overkill for this car. My first car was the savvy.

Only that, it is a proton. Some people don't like the brand. Try visiting and sitting in the seat. Heck, with your budget, can buy new and still do all the mods I suggested and still be in pocket. Rest of the money can go to the fuel cost for the entire car ownership period.