I think I would go for option 3 of the OPs list...
Reply.. '' G-CD squawking, 1,, 2,, 3,, 4,, Request zone transit at 2000ft. '' ( Press each key as you call out each number.)
The bit about having to fly the aircraft should have been settled 10 minutes ago; By either engaging the auto-pilot, or trimming the throttle and trim wheels, to make the aircraft aerodynamically stable, for straight and level flight.
It is always good practise to only give up to three pieces of information in each radio transmission.