Probably I'd take a look at the i30n... The sport back version is a touch more adult than the hatch but still very bonkers.
If you've had performance ford's you'll already be used to shocking fuel economy lol.
Probably the hyundai is the most old skool apart from the Honda but without the "just ram raided Halfords" look.
Definitely test drive a clubby but also try the i30n.
Oh no, definitely not an i30n!!!. The local Hyundai dealer gave me his demo for a weekend in 2019 prior to ordering my MK4 ST, I was considering it as replacement for my mk3 ST.
It wasn't a sport back obviously, but the hatch is the same DNA. I had high hopes, and the price was great..... what a disappointment, the engine was really poor, so little low down (only c.350nm in it), axle tramped really badly, and despite all the configuration, none of the modes did a good job at the daily grind stuff, so much road and exhaust noise even in quiet modes, ride was really poor also. It felt like a first effort car, and nowhere near the reviews. It certainly had a fun factor, but overall it's not something I'd recommend. The mk4 ST is streets ahead of it.
The newer model i30n with the altered front suspension is said to ride better, I haven't tried it though.
I test drove a Megane Trophy also, my my what a hoot, felt like our rallycar, undoubtedly the most fun I've had in a road car on a proper back road blast, love the flared arches too, and I could put up with the rubbery manual box, but the constant nodding dog ride quality would be impossible to live with. What a fun car though, and the gimmicky rear wheel steering felt fine, added to the fun as it really felt like it pivoted around you.
Unlikely to find a DCC clubsport in Ireland to test, so it'll probably have to be a blind order.... but owner feedback/reviews/YouTube videos do help alot, not ideal but so be it
I don't have to commute to work thankfully, so mpg doesn't concern me. My ST is sitting on 30.3 mpg despite lots of short trips and back road fun on the countryside roads I live on. Anything around 30mpg is fine for me.