My first tank was a 60 litre Marina tank, but that was so long ago that it hasn't been made for years. The main problem with this tank for newcomers was that it was just the tank, no filter or heater, leaving the newbie at the mercy of the shop for advice on which equipment to buy to go in it. For example, I was sold a Fluval 1 filter, rated for tanks up to 45 litres!
However this tank sprung a leak a couple of years ago and rather than risk trying to reseal it I bought a new tank. This one is still available and in my opinion would make a good starter tank. The only downside is that the quoted volume is right to the brim and as you have to leave space between the water and the rim, the usuable volume is less than the manufacturer states. This is unfortunately an all too common feature of modern tanks.
The tank in question is the
Eheim Aquastar 54. It comes with a heater, Eheim Pickup filter and a thermometer - one of the liquid filled ones not a stick on type. Despite being labelled as 54 litres, it isn't and that should be borne in mind when it comes to stocking. However the footprint, at 60 x 30 cm, is the same as my old 60 litre Marina tank, it is just not as tall.
The filter contains just sponge as its only medium, no carbon cartridges to lure a newcomer into spending money on replacements. And the heater is an Eheim Jager, reputedly one of the best makes on the market. The light is one 15w T8 fluorescent tube.
I know this isn't my first tank but in my opinion it is suitable as a first tank, provided the purchaser is aware of the volume. As long it is stocked with suitable (ie small) fish, it should allow a newcomer to make a good start to the hobby.