Next car: What would you suggest?

[SilentJay]

Just weighing out the possibility of a new car in the next little while, wanted to see what you guys could come up with (either presently available or pending release within the next year). Criteria/would-likes are as follows:

* Better on gas than the 3 would be nice
* Hatch option would be nice
* Not micro-mini classed car
* In and around the $30k mark

I was thinking a Focus ST might be fun to drive, but then again this kind of piqued my interest:

http://www.inautonews.com/ford-working-on-the-new-focus-rs
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1064478_next-gen-ford-focus-rs-in-the-works-report


"Look out for the debut of the new Ford Focus RS sometime in late 2013 or early 2014... And yes, this one will finally be coming to the U.S."

[aris]

A little higher price then $30,000 but these are the two I'm debating on if I don't buy another truck...Audi a4 quattro or Mercedes c230

[Fuyuzora]

How about a Lexus CT200h (http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/vehicles/KD5BHC2011/veh_intro.jsp?model=KD5BHC&year=2011)?

Lacks the sporty suspension and pickup of the MZ3, but is also a bit more upscale and meets your criteria.

* Fuel Consumption: Uses 50~75% of the fuel of a Mazda3 (4.5 city / 4.8 hwy)
* Hatch form-factor
* Similarly sized to a Mazda3
* $30,950 base MSRP

[Darkice]

Lexus is-f

[Darkice]

See the ford ur looking at i doubt we will get it , if u watch top gear europe already has a twin turbo focus 2011 or 2012 i think and we dont got it As well as some other cars that are hard to get into northern america

[SilentJay]

See the ford ur looking at i doubt we will get it , if u watch top gear europe already has a twin turbo focus 2011 or 2012 i think and we dont got it As well as some other cars that are hard to get into northern america

The ST is supposed to be in Canada later this year, and the RS is "rumoured" to live up to its global platform moniker and shimmy its way over around 2014? Admittedly that's a bit too late for me, but its nice to dream once in a while :chuckle

[SilentJay]

How about a Lexus CT200h (http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/vehicles/KD5BHC2011/veh_intro.jsp?model=KD5BHC&year=2011)?

Lacks the sporty suspension and pickup of the MZ3, but is also a bit more upscale and meets your criteria.

* Fuel Consumption: Uses 50~75% of the fuel of a Mazda3 (4.5 city / 4.8 hwy)
* Hatch form-factor
* Similarly sized to a Mazda3
* $30,950 base MSRP

Seriously? I had no idea it was that "reasonably" priced!

[SilentJay]

Mmmm....

http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/vehicles/lfa/LFA2010/veh_intro.jsp?model=LFA&year=2010

[Freakzaz]

Just throwing a few out there:

- Upcoming Scion branded FT-86 (FR-S or whatever?) should be around $25k - probably a fun to drive car with relatively good fuel economy
- Genesis coupe 2.0T - mid to high $20k - fun to drive and gets good fuel economy (my friend drives one and can back that)
- Subaru Impreza WRX - kinda expensive at low to mid $30k but definitely fun to drive and practical (hatch, winter, etc.)
- Audi A3 - low $30k, fun to drive, practical, though fuel economy may be worse than your 3 (not sure)

[Rob23]

How about a Lexus CT200h (http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/vehicles/KD5BHC2011/veh_intro.jsp?model=KD5BHC&year=2011)?

Lacks the sporty suspension and pickup of the MZ3, but is also a bit more upscale and meets your criteria.

* Fuel Consumption: Uses 50~75% of the fuel of a Mazda3 (4.5 city / 4.8 hwy)
* Hatch form-factor
* Similarly sized to a Mazda3
* $30,950 base MSRP

reasonably priced, good fuel consumption. but damn that thing is ugly!

[Booter22]

The ST is supposed to be in Canada later this year, and the RS is "rumoured" to live up to its global platform moniker and shimmy its way over around 2014? Admittedly that's a bit too late for me, but its nice to dream once in a while :chuckle

you would be correct i have heard the same thing. we should be getting the focus st here by the fall. for the 2012 launch. and if the rs makes it way over here by 2014... cant wait to take it for a test drive. i hear its a blast

[SilentJay]

Just throwing a few out there:
- Upcoming Scion branded FT-86 (FR-S or whatever?) should be around $25k - probably a fun to drive car with relatively good fuel economy
- Genesis coupe 2.0T - mid to high $20k - fun to drive and gets good fuel economy (my friend drives one and can back that)
- Subaru Impreza WRX - kinda expensive at low to mid $30k but definitely fun to drive and practical (hatch, winter, etc.)
- Audi A3 - low $30k, fun to drive, practical, though fuel economy may be worse than your 3 (not sure)

I honestly didn't know the FT86 was coming so soon, and at that price range. That said, at $25k USD, it'd probably ring in at $32-34k in CDN dealerships. The Genesis is a good looking car, but i've gotten feedback that Hyundai has very polarizing customer experiences - it'll either run forever or be a lemon for most of its useful life. Must look deeper into the FT86...

[SilentJay]

you would be correct i have heard the same thing. we should be getting the focus st here by the fall. for the 2012 launch. and if the rs makes it way over here by 2014... cant wait to take it for a test drive. i hear its a blast

Even in it's current incarnation, it looks/sounds/performs like a beast. It's really a shame that Mazda doesn't produce/import these sort of cars or listen to it's customer base with regards to little things like paint quality... The Mazda community is great and it'd be a shame to have to leave it :P

[Kiyomi]

f2-86 concept i think its called, made by toyota and someone else, coming out within 2 years, similar to mazda 3 in many ways.

[fini]

the fuel economy on the a3 is about the same as the mazda since it is only a 2L engine. but it will be more expensive because it is minimum 91 octane fuel. are you looking at 30 before or after tax?

if i had the option of getting a new car, i would put 1000 deposit to reserve one of 500 golf R's that are coming to canada next fall. but its higher than your price range at 40k

[FLIPDADY]

Mazdaspeed 3, bang for the buck factor and you're familiar with the car. Sure you'll be spending more on fuel but you can transfer some parts over from your current car. Plus you will still get deals on parts and service.:)

[SilentJay]

=/ I really want a speed3, but the new wrench in the plans is that I might be moving to Milton so my bumper-battle will become that much worse. The hydrolic-feeling clutch that the speed3 has would make it really painful in those situations.... But want fast... >.< damnit