If you want a hot hatch to destroy all others, look up the details of the Subaru Impreza Cosworth.
The sector is pretty healthy at the moment. RenaultSport's offerings are still superb even though their latest models seem to have put a bit of weight on. Of the VAG offerings I actually like the Octavia vRS as an overall package. A bit bigger than the Golf, but just as capable. There's a new Focus ST out soon, but sadly it won't have that lovely Volvo sourced 5 pot. And this month's EVO magazine introduced the details of the next Astra VXR - 260+bhp and fwd!