Teenage son........
Its not a matter of what car YOU would like him to be seen in, its a matter of what car best suits his age and personality.
My opinion is you buy him the
SAFEST possible car for the money you have. Something with airbags, proven crash rating, road stability.
From there you can move on to what car HE will accept as a good first car.
ONLY when he has enough miles under his belt and his senses have fully kicked in, you can then move him up to a car which he might aspire to. I don't care what you say, how smart, how sensible, how responsible you think he is, a 16y/o kid is going to make some errors of judgement. You want him to be safe at all times.
Don't ask me why I say all this or how I know it.
Just believe me when I say your son is the most precious thing in your life. Don't be wise after the event.
Good luck in your decisions.
Ian