Question for any former Megane R26 Owners

[survivalist]

In a bit of a dilema. I'm looking for a car that is fun to drive at reasonable speeds (make of that what you will) with 4 seats, something along the lines of the recent Chris Harris 'RIP the hot hatch'. In other words, something that is fun to drive rather than bonkers fast.

My only dilemma is looking at all the alternatives, both old and new. Looking at some of the lease deals on new cars, the Golf R, Fiesta ST, Focus ST etc are all within budget, hence my question to those people who had a R26 and moved on - how are you finding the newer alternatives?

Thanks in advance for any replies.