If you're looking at something like the M135i as your definition of 'quick', then you're entering a realm where not much resides, that being 320bhp family cars.
I can see why they're tempting but it also seems a bit of a stretch when at the start of the thread you were looking at a budget of £8k and happy to consider a diesel? Is it really what you want or is it the product of OcUK sowing the idea in your head that anything with less than 300bhp isn't worth owning?
To me, reading your list of wants, it has Golf GTI written all over it (or for the more budget conscious an Octavia vRS with the same drivetrain).
It's design brief is pretty much to be 'relatively exciting' as you describe, whilst also being the flagbearer for all round practicality and usability. 220-245bhp depending on age and spec, though most like 220 for £10k - it will come with a few useful toys, the sound system will be solid if not spectacular etc.
#plexiglass
