Hot hatches
 

I could go for a few of these.

Top 10 Hot Hatches We Wish Were Sold in North America » AutoGuide.com News

What a shame you don't get these great cars, and more, over there. I'd have a spin in all, except the Vauxhall, never been a fan of the brand. Had no idea you didn't get the 1 series, its a very common sight on uk roads, and a seriously quick car with a 3 litre engine. The Mito I had as a loan car once, quite fun but not really a hot hatch with 170 BHP, more like a warm hatch.

I learned to drive in a 1956 Vauxhall Wyvern, and more recently I have owned and enjoyed an 85 Carlton and a 92 Cavalier. Both were comfortable, reliably, cheap to maintain, motors.
Second image shows me under the bonnet of PUS, more than 50 years ago!

I like them all except the MiTo. Something about it looks strange to me. If I could cherry pick I'd have the option of the i30, GTi, S1 and Megane. The Scirocco might have to be in the list too. The M140 is definitely hot but doesn't push the buttons as well as the others. I presume we have at least a few cars the rest of the world might wish for but I think we miss out on more than we have just like this list shows.

That's pretty cool. Do you still have that car?

Afraid not. Vauxhalls of that era were very prone to rust (GM) and it succumbed about 18 months on from those photos