Next car, realistically, a Golf V Sportline. The GTI has all the options and is a pretty attractive car, but it's hard to justify the added expense, not only in purchase price but insurance and stuff. However, I suppose it would be the ideal in most respects.

Otherwise, the E90 3er seems possible; I've never been the greatest BMW fan but in all honesty it's probably the most complete compact exec out there, though not without its faults. The A4 might be an interesting choice, but somehow I can't get over the idea of buying something so late in the model cycle (well, I count the B6-B7 transition as a facelift still). The Volvo V50 was interesting until I realised that it's almost the price of an A4 wagon (~AUD$50k) and it has fewer 'small' features that I like, and the resale value is nowhere near as good.

Not sure about Japanese options. Accord Euro Luxury seems like a good deal. I'm a bit less enthusiastic about the Mazda 6 than I used to be. Heck, if the new Camry turns out really, really well, it could even be a possibility. I'm a little less keen on the Liberty as the lower spec ones (I can't justify GT or a 3.0) only get 4-speed auto, and are a little deficient in some areas IMO, like general cabin ambience and seating material.