Are you talking about the older Sirion (pre 2004/5)? I think they're a bit asthmatic, that engine suits the Cuore perfectly. The Charade has a newer engine with more poke and economy. Both my lodgers have one (which means I can't get one or it'll look like a dealer's forecourt!) and they love 'em - a bit lolley round corners though!
For cheapness just get a Cuore. I still regret letting my daughter have mine, she's running it into the ground but the engine's still great at 105,000 miles.
Hope that helps a bit, but I'm sure someone else will have a different opinion.