What else did you consider and what thoughts did you have about them? Not necessarily objective, we're all human and have subjective thoughts!
GTI Mk 5 - great car, very affordable second hand, but interior seems quite plain compared to the Mk6.
R32 - same comments as the GTI
S3 - great interior, old design though and the front end I don't like. servicing and maintenance costs would be a worry
BMW 130i - great engine, good quality, but too similar to other BMWs I had before and I can't get on with the exterior looks. not as practical
Alfa 147 GTA - looks awesome inside and out. some 3 door only though
seems to be pretty small inside. reliability a worry. handling not supposed to be that good.
Volvo C30 - a rare sight and in R Design mode looks pretty good. Same engine as the Focus ST, so pretty potent. again 3 door only and has had lukewarm reviews for its driving.
Mazda 3 MPS - loads of power, quick, but uninspiring to look at inside and out. not a great image. Quite a bit longer than the Golf - I need something smallish yet practical for the missus to drive.
Mazda RX-8 - the oddball choice, reasonablly practical, 4 door, coupe body. going 2nd hand could get one for the costs of the options on a new Mk6 alone! a massive bargain but high running costs and low on torque. mate of mine has one though and I don't want to copy him!
There are a whole load of other cars I could have considered 2nd hand, M3, Evo X, S4, RS4, 330d, etc etc however size at circa 4200mm and 5 door practicality were very important to me.... don't let that hold you back though... for the price we're paying you can get into a Porsche 911!!