What performance family car?

[Tmrtom]

Recently had our first child, so decided to get rid of my cheap R50 Cooper and get something more family friendly. I'd all but made my mind up to get another Mk5 Golf GTI after really liking the one I had a few years ago, but was also considering other hot hatches in the 5-7k bracket. I didn't bother making a thread on here as I followed Stevekozs thread which was pretty much identical to my thoughts, although he ended up with a 3 door R26 which won't suit me as I definitely want and need 5 door. I also prefer the Mk3 Megane RS and they seem out of my price bracket and 3 door only, so Meganes are out unfortunately. Hopefully one to tick off the list in future...

Then my sensible head started considering quickish estates aswell, but I have no experience of these - all my knowledge and experience is pretty much linked to hot hatches, old air cooled VWs and a Mk3 MX5.

Requirements:
Petrol
5 door
Hatch or estate (no saloons as I have dogs and baby stuff)
Quickish
Handles well
Niceish interior
Reasonable running costs (unfortunately no 20 year old V8s etc)

Shortlist so far:
VW Golf Mk5 GTI (I know these and like them having owned one, bit boring I know)
Ford Focus Mk2 ST (don't like the interior, do like the 5 pot)

Off the list:
Skoda Octavia VRS Mk2 (the ones in my budget have the chocolate tensioner)
Seat Leon Cupra Mk2 (I don't like the styling or interior)
Volvos
Vauxhalls

What else could be good?

Thanks!

[Tmrtom]

Thanks for suggestions so far. Unfortunately no chance of third car, my wife also has a car so no space or budget for a third at the moment.

So the car would need to be a nice ownership proposition for a (sensible) petrol head.

Not sure about old Subarus - went in one years ago and liked it but not sure on running costs and non-shagged availability at my price point? One to look into for sure, thanks.

Like the idea of a BMW estate or an Audi one from a practicality point of view, but I still want it to be decent on B roads when I do get chance for a blast - but unsure how they handle? Also, would need advice on BMW engines as I've never looked into them - I know a lot of e9x generation (which seem best age/budget compromise) grenade themselves so would want to avoid the bork factor.

[Tmrtom]

Hi all, thanks for your replies. Decided I'm going to manage with a hot hatch as I dont want to lose out on the fun factor, just going to use a roof box if we go away.

Narrowed it down to Focus St mk2 (might even stretch the budget to a mk3 having read the buyers guide this morning), BMW 130i or trusty old VW Golf Mk5 Gti. Just need to test drive the Ford and BMW.

Thanks again!