Alan, that's what has kept me from Audi for years... great initial build quality, but overall pretty poor quality where it matters.
I would get an STi just for the trans and rear diff.
I think the M235/240 are a top contender, in RWD and ill just get good snows for winter
The N55 is amazing, and I am seeing very good things about the B58.
The Golf R i'll have to drive, my MK6 GTi was great but so refined the fun got sucked out... my much crappier Abarth was a much more fun (rear childish) car.