Its an interesting question...
My thoughts:
Maybe I30N - maybe.... there are some extra bits coming to that later in 2019 - DSG with ACC for example. But I need to drive one to see if the people who say its a bit harsh are right or not (its very subjective!). I saw one outside the pub last night, it looks lovely actually... value I suspect will fall like a stone though.
Maybe Civic Type R - maybe - I'm sure its great, but I want DSG (its manual only but offers ACC) and I am still not sure if at my age I want a Halford's special... it is slightly extreme looking.
Things I don't want:
A Focus - its like the 1990's have come back, regardless of model or trim. I'm sure it drives well but yuk!
A SEAT - nope thats just not doing it for me. Too small, too plastic.
A Skoda - unfavourable pricing/finance rates and lack of included features makes it expensive compared to a Golf
A BMW 1 series - didn't like it so far, unlikely to like it again for a whole host of reasons.
Audi anything - I can't afford it with options and I'm not spending best part of 35k on a thing without gadgets.
I suspect that I might either end up with another Golf (maybe even a last gasp Mk7.5) or ditch the hatch thing and buy a CR-V or something