Ok so I just took out the 170 for a test drive, its a nice car...but when I got back into the GTI, i just felt like the 170 diesel wasnt for me, I dont know why, maybe it was just because it was a diesel engine and I really hate the sound of diesels...but its just didnt feel like my next car.
You might be onto something with the efficient petrol idea...even as you say the current shape mini cooper S has similar performance to the GTI but does 35mpg urban rather then the 25mpg that the gti does... 35mpg is not actually far away from that the diesel does!! With the JCW kit on it, they look a nice car.
Can anyone think of any other 6ish grand nice efficient petrols?