Had the privilege to try most of the modern hot hatches and own one too so feel I'm worthy of chipping in.
I tried a friends new rs when it was in for detailing and im not a focus rs or st fan (tried the mk2 when it was released loved the engine but not much else) I was really impressed, sure the seating position is high, interior abit cheap in places but it drove so well, I liked the steering weight, engine feels torquey only downsides for me being picky were pedal heights for heel and toe (brake is high compared to accelerator so had to go old school side footed) noise isn't a patch on the old one and the clutch felt springy. I couldn't buy one for image I don't think but considering I own a Renaultsport I would take one over the newer meganes, had a mini gtr feel to it.
I also spent sometime detailing it so get to look in depth at a lot of parts and build quality is good apart from all the contamination they get delivered with.
I'd take one over the mustang and I really like American muscle cars.