Ive advertised my MK2 Golf GTI (1.8T 230bhp Conversion) with a very heavy heart after getting it just where I want to (becoming a bad habit!) but I (we) have a baby on the way in Feb and need something more modern and smoother/comfy.
The Golf is on KW coilovers with 16" BBS RS and is a little hard (bot not crashy) plus its just too old etc to put a baby in there.

Anyway if anyone is interested to see it: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk2-Golf-GTI-AUQ-1-8-20vTurbo-230-bhp-/152318171029?hash=item2376ded795:g:-gsAAOSw5cNYKiiZ

My wife has a modern Audi A3 Saloon which ticks all the boxes (4 doors, modern, big boot etc) and will be used 80% of the time but for the other 20% I still need something as specified above so unfortunately the Golf has to go.

So I still want something fun and with some grunt 3 or 5 door im still undecided. The shortlist is below but was after some other ideas if ive missed them or if anyone has had any experience with the cars on my shortlist and can tell me anything about the ownership good or bad.

SHORTLIST in no particular order:

Alfa Romeo GT (3.2 V6)
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (3.2 V6) EDZ WHERE ARE YOU!?
Mk 4 or 5 Golf R32 (3.2 V6)
Subaru Impreza of some sort (maybe blobeye/uk300???)

Many thanks.

Maurizio.

My experience of Imprezas (old style rather than the new version) is that the ride in the rear is shocking. We used to use them as company cars when I ran my own business (payments were cheap because of high residuals). If ever 3 or more needed to go in the car over any distance, there'd be a fight over who had to go in the back. Spine, vision and dental treatment was needed.

Nice golf Maurizio.
They are great little cars when you get a good engine in them.
I had an early mk2 gti with a VR6 in which was one of my favourite cars ever.

Out of your list I would be looking at the Alfa GT.
You can't beat the sound of a V6

If you are contemplating putting child seat in the rear I would probably avoid a 147 GTA the front seats are large and access to the rear is not very good. The boot is also small. A GT would be better as the seats are smaller and boot is more useable. Basically the same as the GTA anyway and can be picked up cheaper.

Alfa 159 Sportwagon in Ti Trim with the V6 and Q4 all wheel drive.