Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Seems like a fitting place to ask for help, but I'm looking at upgrading my car to something brand new, or at least very close to brand new.

I've done the standard progression of 106 gti -> clio 172 -> e36 m3 evo, all had their fare share of trackdays, sold the m3 before I first moved to London, but bought a very well looked after e39 5 series msport when I moved back to Ireland last year. I've moved back to London and brought it with me, but I've had it over a year now and registered it here, but looking at something new.

The 5 series is nice, great for the long drive back to Dublin, and out to visit her sister in Southampton, but it doesn't put its hand down your pants and have a rummage to quote J. Clarkson, so I think the main thing I'm looking for is a car that's a bit lighter and more lively.

I'm very much a BMW fan, but I don't think I would get much BMW for the money I want to spend on a new car.

I've been looking at a gt86 maybe, which seems like a great package at £25k. The equivalent BMW would be a 120i msport, which is lacking a LSD and £10k more.

MX5 is a no as I'd like to have the flexibility of back seats (however small they are).

370z is maybe a little out of budget too.

I think you can see a trend, all front engine, rear drive coupe's....not sure I want to go down the hot hatch route, but the megane 275 cup is certainly an interesting prospect at £25k.

Is there anything else you would consider, brand new around the £25k OTR price point?