Advice- cheap, used hatch, maybe 4wd?, want some speed

Hello all, I'm looking for advice on a cheap (NZ or AU$3000 or less), used (mid 80's up) little car (for easy parking). But I don't want a gutless grannies car, as I need to be able to pass slow people on the motorway (and have my pride as well).
It's hard to find info on the net, that doesn't start talking about special rally models etc... I'm just interested in a run of the mill option that has some grunt. I saw an okay looking Mazda Familia 4wd parked on the street the other day for instance.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Regards
Mike.