I'm looking to get a new car in and want somthing that will be comfortable to ride in but also put a smile on my face when i need to. looking to spend under 8k

the limitations are; i have 2 dogs (choc lab and german shep) also have a baby on the way so must be a hatch with enough room for the dogs in the boot, they dont go in that often so just enough space for them both.

I currently have a 2008 focus zetec sport which i like but being a 1600 not got much poke and previously coming from a evo seams realy slow lol

so far i have thought of;

st225 pre facelift
mk5 golf gti
mk4 r32
leon cupra r
civic type r
wild card b5 s4 (but not too keen on realy shit mpg)

thanks for any sugestions or opinions on the above