I'm familiar with the Octavia VRS (tdi 170bhp) as my sister/husband have one which i've driven. I don't really need, or want something that bit bigger though it is quick & a pleasure to drive.
My Clio RS has been faultless, i may be lucky as i do read (on ClioSport) about what can & does go wrong, i'm thinking i could also get lucky with a Megane 225 too, lol. I'm partial to Renaults having had a number of GT Turbos in a previous life
Tbh, the Focus & Golf are looking just a bit too expensive, the Leon 225 R (mk1) certainly looks a good bet, 5 doors always handy, good size boot, descent build quality (keep reading about door seals going though...), 32+mpg & an easy 260ish bhp upgrade. Only thing which niggles me are the looks, just a bit dated & not sure about it's ar5e end, lol. Also, i hope the driving position isn't the same as an Ibiza as it'll be out of the question !
I need to get out & arrange to drive some of these cars when i have time.