Ok thankyou both for all the info and pointers!
The megane is a clear favourite at the moment, can't see it changing much to be honest, also considered a Golf GTI (more expensive obviously) and an Astra VXR but the Megane is quicker than both of these (well it was on top gear) so I think i'll have to arrange a test drive in one to see what "the boss" thinks as it will be her car. her preference is actually the new corsa VXR but we can't justify spending that kind of money on a tiny car, so I hope she likes the Megane!