Haven't driven much of the Civic, other than on a test drive when I was considering one. It was ok, but granted that probably wasn't the best example. Haven't driven the Fiesta either as figured it was always going to be too small for me.
I did have a Golf GTI Edition 30 though, and I found it excellent. One of the few cars I have owned were I would buy another. I thought it handled well, and stopped well (after a couple upgrades, H&R Springs and S3 brakes). And even though mine wasn't mapped, it went well too. Mine was RR'd at 240 BHP. Although it did have a turbo back stainless and some fancy induction kit. But it was a nice driving car, with enough power really to be fun on the twisties too. I'd guess a standard GTI would be similar, especially once remapped, although I would only personally look for ED30 if it were me.
I'm not sure why you have restricted your choice so much here though. There are similar cars, at similar budgets, which can be similar fun. I've been having a hoot with my Clio 197 for example. It holds the road way better than any golf I've ever owned. I'd Imagine the equivalent Renaultsport Megane for your budget would be similar levels of fun. I always thought I'd stay away from French cars after having a few earlier in my driving career, but my word, they can put together a fun hot hatch.