If you would like to stay "under the radar" maybe consider a Skoda Octavia RS diesel. Mechanically the same as the Golf but has the advantage of a very large boot and looking at the reliability surveys, more reliable.
First post by the way and hope to be the owner of a M3W one fine day.
Welcome to TM! Yes, the Skodas are very good. Very nearly bought a Yeti when I changed cars 18 months ago.
