Go try a 3 series- if you want petrol a 330i will be as fast as a GTI, and better all round car.
well speccd new GTI is equivalent to an equivalent spec demo 3 series
i'm surprised they gave you your cash back so easily- they do seem to be selling fast, as evidenced by my ETA of 7 months...
330i is a great car, but if you really need a smaller hatchback then golf gti the only way to go. i had to have a car my wife could drive as well, hence anything 3 series sized was ruled out. BMWs cost an arm and a leg to maintain as well.