i saw the review of the new type R on topgear and he said honda had been trying to save costs and fit torsion bar rear suspension on the new one instead of the independent rear as the old one so i wouldnt buy a new one as it handled like shite on topgear think it was slower too. The focus st is a good alrounder in my opinion but probably doesnt have the build quality of the Golf gti/r32, or as much grunt,my cousin works for seat JCT600 garages and he says there a pain in the arse to work on not too sure how well the drive though id imagine not far off a golf as usually they all have the same parts anyway. Renaults i wouldnt touch as two of my mates have had new lagunas and they both set on fire. Vauxall astra is awesome in a straight line but rubbish around corners as the chassis cant handle the power. i think the mazda may be a bit of a underdog as ive heard they are really quick but they arent much to look at really.the BMW's you see loads of but thats probably because they are a very good car depends how individual you want to be i suppose.Honda s2000's are supposed to be very good/handling reliability e.t.c.. the 350z ive heard dont handle very well but this is what ive heard from shows such as fithgear e.t.c.

id say the choices are.
Old honda civic
Focus st
Golf gti/r32
Honda s2000

it depends which you like the best id pic the st but i love fords but i would be seriously tempted by a r32 if i had the cash.