Since you're interested in the image projected, I've always thought of the GTI as being the car for people who would like to drive a sporty car... but finally settled for a Golf instead because it's the more reasonable thing to do. It has no edge styling wise (same freakin' design for ages!), nothing special in the dynamics department either (it does everything adequately... and nothing impressively). The only special thing they found was to put ugly a$s tartan fabric on the seats. WTF VW!? Since VW makes the cheapest cars of any German brand, I don't understand why people actually go out and buy it. Then again, if you can actually get one for WAAAAY LESS than sticker, you've got yourself a roomier and more comfortable car than either the Fiesta ST or the Abarth. They are just not the same kind of cars. If you're leaning towards an bland car, go with the Golf for sure. In that price range, I'd shop for a base Focus ST though. It's much more comfortable and roomier than the Abarth or Fiesta ST... and you'd stand out from the crowd a bit. Plus the dynamics are extremely good for a car that size at that price. Some 2013 are still sitting on the lot somewhere as we speak... so there are good deals to be made I'm sure.
