As above I need to buy a daily hack for around the 3k mark, at the mo got an astra van which has been great as my whole family have been using it but now its surplus so want something a bit more fun/bit more poke etc, probably a hot hatch...

So what would you buy? I dont do 'that' many miles to warrant a diesel but would like something that is half comfy, pretty nippy, reliable and something that will give me around 30mpg or better on a motorway run (missus lives 26 miles down a dual carriageway/motorway)! At the moment i've got it down to either a Fiesta ST (around 05 plate) or an EP3 Civic Type R (2003 model). Also dont want a convertible as I am keeping the mercedes.

Any other ideas? I dont want a Clio 172/182, sorry as I know they are liked on here but just can't stand them!!!

Cheers
Chris