My mom driving a stick (nice softball for ya Beyond) is not remotely a possibility.
If the question was the best subcompact hot hatch, all indications definitely point to the FiST.
Distinct possibility she would buy something new, but I guess the idea is they are open to any options as long as it doesn't require tons of shop/maintenance time.
Kona
Fit (2016+)
Anything else? The B200 was an interesting first suggestion, but they are really old now.