Norco Search S1

Check out the Roux Conquest range and possibly the Kinesis Decade ACE as well if you'd consider flat bars

http://rouxbikes.co.uk/cross/

The Conquests ride really well and don't suffer the usual CX bike problem of too short a wheelbase that leads to toe obstruction.

http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/decade/tripster-ace

Another commuter option is this one: http://rouxbikes.co.uk/shop/carbon-drive-a8/

If you'd like any advice we're here to help. Tel: 020 8133 6432.

Norco are a Canadian brand and very well respected in mountain biking. If their road bikes are anything like their mtbs then you won't go far wrong.

Got 1.1 D as commuter bike.

Neither Fuji and Nocro is small brand, but they are just not as famous as Giant/Trek/Specialized.

1.1D is almost perfect for the price, the only drawback is its super heavy weight.(10+kg)
It's almost near a XC bike and most better XC hard tail can beat its weight.
But for the price, it acceptable.

I also considered Search 1, but the price is higher and frame seems even heavier than 1.1D.

Although the 15mm thru-axle in S1 seems charming, at least I don't have any complains about current QR front. (Although quite interesting to try one).

But some rumor(OK, guys in LBS) tells me that, Giant will introduce Defy SLR later this year, and it's with disc break and Giant's super light alloy, cheaper
than Defy Adv.
If it's out several days ago, I won't consider any other bike but Defy SLR.

Hopes to help you.