I ALWAYS preferred small fast cars over big rambling ones (aha, fooled ya with my posts on the SUV thread, didn't I??
but SUV issue is just a matter of principles, not preferences!). However, I disagree on the SVT (But, GO MARKO MARTIN!! I hope he'll whoop Colin this year...). Focus came as NOT recommended by the Consumer Report. They Liked Mini a lot (I can't help hearing that song from the "Italian Job" with Michael Cain :" It's a self-preservation, sociiieeety!" every time I see one). Lot's of fun to drive, at least with a turbo. how about a new Protege, though?
You may want to wait for the Lancer Evolution VIII as well. I can see a LOT street racing between WRX's and Evo's.