I'm in the same situation Danny, looking at around £12-13k i'm considering Golf, A3 but mainly the Leon FR TDI (170) - Preferably with the BTCC kit that was an option from new...
I tested one a year or so back now and really liked it, with over 40 mpg it makes it a good buy really.... Plus with the Leon you can get a much newer / low mileage car compared to the same price Golf GT TDI.
Same as the K1:
