[nostatic]

Another change afoot in the garage. Well, actually the street because we only can fit one car and the motorcycle in the garage, but who's counting. The wife is still loving her i3 Rex and I had thought about going electric but a road trip to Lake Arrowhead disabused me of that. The C-Max Energi that I got for the boy is actually a pretty neat car for what it is, but sporty/entertaining aren't really the words I'd use for it.

At any rate, thinking I was going to make a change I had found someone to take over my X1 lease. I actually had second thoughts after our road trip but I'd agreed to the swap so the X1 will be heading to its new owner next week. Which brings me to the search for my next DD.

The goal is actually to go a bit more budget as the i3 isn't that cheap. My criteria are 4-door hatchback due to my gear hauling needs. Beyond that, in a perfect world it would be cheap to lease/buy, entertaining, and reasonably comfortable. Originally I was thinking Mazda 3 or Golf TDI, but the GTI crept into the mix. I drove the Mazda and it left me kinda "meh." The GTI was better, but they have odd trims. I drove the 6-speed but am not sure I want to go back to a stick in LA traffic. I haven't driven one regularly in a few years. The DSG was like my old GTI - has some quirks but not a bad box. I haven't driven the new TDI but figure it is like my old JSW. The plaid sport seats are cool but they were a bit tight. I'm actually in good shape at this point from swimming every day but I'm a bit wide through the shoulders for it. The leather ones felt more comfortable but then you have to get a sunroof (which I hate) and is more money.

The dark horse that I'll drive today is the Fiesta ST. I actually like the looks of both the Fiesta and the Focus ST. It forces me into a stick, but from all accounts the Fiesta is a pretty fun little car. Dirt cheap to lease, likely will carry my stuff, and ok on the interior (the C-Max is actually pretty livable other than the Ford starting chimes that make me think I'm in a rental on work travel).

Have thought about Mini but can't get past the interiors. Not sure I'm missing other candidates...