And not just only Subaru.

In reality I'm looking for something that is affordable, good on gas, and not super duper on performance, but not the very low end end end end.

I drove around the Mazda 3 hatch, which was pretty impressive, the new engine gets up to 39highway in the 2013s.

I took a look at the golfs/tdi's, might need to go back there and look again.

I liked the Hyundai Elantra GT, lots of stuff on the dash that I might need to turn down the brightness for, but felt good and of course that standard 10yr 100k warranty can't be beat.

Looked at the Honda Accord, typical sedan, but I really think I'm into the hatchback just for utility things.

I looked at Subaru's hatchback and I don't think I need the AWD as standard and it really sucks more gas than I'd want.

Was thinking of checking out the Ford Fiesta + Focus. I like Ford because they didn't take cash from the government, so they did something right, but I don't like Ford because it isn't Asian, and long lasting cars are usually Asian.

I took a look at the Dodge Dart II with a bunch of trims and models, very plain interior, even makes my Subaru interior look alright. LoL, but for the prize it can't be beat. But I still want a hatchback.

Yea... that STI hatchback is sexy, but I don't have the $$ =\.

Any suggestions? Anyone have a friend who works at a Hyundai/Mazda dealership? As for pricing and bargaining... I'm thinking about just asking for the fully loaded or next to fully loaded ride of the hatchback and trying to get the OTD price of the MSRP or even the MSRP OTD price of the base model.

 

Ae86 hatch!

 

I just picked up a 2013 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring HB. Overall, the fit and finish is pretty nice for an economy car. Still getting used to the car, definitely miss the WRX though. I mainly got it because of the good fuel economy and didn't think I needed AWD.

I test drove an Impreza w/ the CVT as well, there aren't as many features interior-wise and the dealer said it was a hot car, accounting for about 40% of their sales right now, so no negotiation room. The Impreza gets off the line better than the Mazda 3, but supposedly the Mazda has a better 0-60 time. Either way, they're both slow.

I thought about a Ford Focus, it is now the best selling car in the world, but not the US version. I wanted to get an AT this time around so that the wife could drive the car too, I read that the DSG in the Focus is really clunky and has non-intuitive shift points. The Mazda 3 shifting has actually been super smooth, it's probably the most impressive part of the car so far.

So far the Mazda has been adequate, the interior is much nicer than my old WRX. But it's certainly not a fun ride. People ask me if I like my new car, and I just answer that it's ok. The gas mileage is great and it's comfortable enough to sit in, but I have to lower my expectations a lot whenever I'm trying to pass someone or getting onto a freeway on ramp.

 

Yea, I drove some Honda's around and my "feel" of gassing or hoppin' onto the ramp would make me second guess a while with oncoming cars to figure out if my ride could ramp up quick enough. I'd have to relearn what I could and could not do zipping around cars and between cars.

In any case, I'm gettin' a bit older, that's my excuse. LoL, I'm not into the fast rides anymore and I don't mind just cruisin'. As long as I don't cry going up a hill I'm fine.

 

I was in the market of possibly getting rid of my GC and picking up one of those new Impreza hatchbacks.

Like you, I also had the Mazda 3 Skyactiv hatch lined up as well.

After comparing the two and checking both out at the recent SF Car Show, here's what I have to say:
- Mazda 3 seemed a bit cramped, even with my small frame. The Impreza hatch had a lot more room all around, especially rear seat/rear leg room. If you have a kid, this might be something to take into consideration.

- Mazda 3 seemed more "solid" compared to the Impreza. The interior looked a lot nicer.

- Similarly featured, I think the Mazda 3 is a better value than the Impreza

- Safety wise, according to the safety tests the Impreza has a better side impact or rollover rating.

- Yes, the CVT Impreza is rated at 36 mpg highway, but many people over on NASIOC have been getting high twenties at best. Some have hit low thirties, and few have hit the actual 36 mpg. I have read that Mazda 3 owners have been getting the rated mileage or even over (into the 40s).

You can also pick up a Honda Fit. Fully loaded I believe you can get for about $19k. I personally don't think it's super basic.

 

I took a look at the Fit and the Honda dealership at least where I was at keeps saying they disappear after a day or two, or transferred and sold right away. So I didn't get to test drive one because there were none there. I did look at one that was recently sold from the outside and I have to say that I'm definitely not fond of the look of the thing. Kinda like a slanted Scion Cube or something.

 

If I were in the market, i'd consider these my top 3:
(in no specific order)
-Mazda3
-Golf TDI
-Honda Fit

Honorable mentions: Fiat, mini cooper, focus

 

01-06 Honda si?

 

I have a 2010 Elantra Touring Hatchback... put about 25K miles on it. Good little car.
Holds a ton of stuff, pretty well built. The gas mileage could be better (mid to low 20's). The engine is not too powerful, but with the gearing the little car actually goes pretty well.

Also look at the Jetta TDI Wagon, and the Prius V
They are basically the same dimensions, but crush the Hyundai on fuel mileage

 

Jetta TDI wagon? My buddy has a '10 and he loves the economy of the thing. 40+ mpg and 240+lb/ft. of torque, not too shabby IMHO. It's still a german car so the electronics will fail randomly, but the fuel economy's no joke.

-Brian

 

Eh, not fond of VWs with all the electronics, lol.

Look a look at the fiesta, even the hatchback part of it was terribly laid out. At least IMO.

 

Have you looked at the Volvo C30's or the Mazdaspeed 3's (perhaps this is not as good on the MPG's as you would like)?

 

Mazda 3 hatchbacks are good, skyactive thing for the 2013's the mph went from 29 to 39 highway. Hyundai still has my eye just for warranty purposes.

 

Get a crosstrek.

 

I told you guys we are not allowed to speak of HachiRoku anymore. Foresters are teh new hawtness.

Now, as to posting on whether or not to buy something other than a Subaru, in a Subaru forum, well that's like going to a hooker and asking if ya need to get laid.

You're not necessarily going to get the answer you seek, and it will cost ya.

That, or a 2010-2011 OBS (Impreza w/ previous gen foof). We had a KIA loaner, not overly impressed but did OK, and noticeably also not on your list. Given them a shot yet?