[deathpunk dan]

I have an 08 non-speed mazda 3s hatch, and it is a great daily driver. Very practical, comfortable, hip (kind of like a Target-store version of an Audi A3), and competent. The 2.3 is fairly pedestrian and the fuel economy is not much better than my chipped 95 325is' was, but the car is fun to drive and very affordable (paid under 16k for a leftover 08 last summer from a dealer struggling to stay afloat).

Mazda paint quality SUCKS though. Tons of rock chips/front end sandblasting after just one winter. Oh well.

A former bandmate has an 07 or 08 black VW GTI. It's faster, better handling and gets better fuel economy, but was something like 8 grand more. The premium isn't worth it for me....I would have had to sell the 911 to afford it. No way.

Never driven a speed3 but they went 'undefeated' in magazine comparisons for like 3 years so it must be pretty sweet...