I'm not going to lie, like many people that will reply to this i've not driven all of these, but I spend all day driving different brand new cars and have had a play with some of these. 3 Doors may well be a nightmare for getting a kid in and out in the pouring rain, in traffic so on and on....

st225 pre facelift
*Love the car, it's a Ford, can still use it to go to shows if you need it, sounds great - Fuel charges can be high, reported problems of cylinder liners on early ones

mk5 golf gti
*Great car, i'd opt for the GT diesel for the best of both worlds, more than quick enough for a family wagon, MUCH better build tan the focus just lacks the fun somehow.... maybe it's too easy!

mk4 r32
*Not driven one look great, sound amazing! - i'm told they are not as fast as you'd think.

leon cupra r
*We have the standard leons and TSI/TFSI? units at work, Good fun cars, drives like the golf, quite well built and quick too! 5 doors with 3 door looks, generally well spec'd. Ocassional odd issues with our Seats but not too common. Like the golf and no doubt the Focus too, a healthy taste for rubber!

civic type r
*Loved the original, new Civic is much better in the cabin, but that rear window is annoying, and not so easy to get used to,


wild card b5 s4 (but not too keen on realy shit mpg)
*Tbh knocking on now, I had a B7 A4 Sline TDI, great car, loved it to bits for a relaxing drive, Bose. 8k should buy you a tidy B7 shape, with a big engine if you fancy. Not as much space in the back as you'd imagine though.