Member6055
I'm moving to California and looking at some hot hatch options. I currently drive the 2013 Jetta Hybrid and am happy with the performance and fuel economy, but the battery really hampers trunch space so I am now looking for hatch back options.
Currently I have my eyes on two major options:
1) Used Audi A3 - I would prefer to spend between $15000-$20000k used. I don't see a huge point in going to the top of my $25000k budget unless I reclaim much of the factory warranty.
2A) New 2014 Mazda 3 - The new Mazda 3 just seems so compelling to me with all the new refinements they bought in this year. It is the first and only car I have ever considered to buy new. I had a MX-6 for many years and loved it.
2B) New 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 - It appears to be still available and @$24k for a decked out hatch, it is very tempting. Not sure the how great the difference in refinement will be compared to the 2014 Mazda 3. Also, I am somewhat concerned about fuel economy during NORMAL driving. Driving the hybrid for the past year, it really has encoruaged me to back off the lead foot. So I'm fine to pay for gas when I floor it, but not when I'm cruising.
There are few cars on the bubble. The Lexus CT200 hybrid seems interesting, but not sure how the driving dynamics and cargo space are. The VW Golf/GTI are great cars, but I feel the few inches extra hatch space on the A3 or Mazda 3 will make all the difference. The Impreza is always impressive performance wise, but alway disspoints on confort and interior.
Thoughts and suggestions?
Preferred Bodystyle(s): Hatch
Car Needs: Daily commuter / Errands about town / Long trips / Fun toy
Primary Driver(s): Short driver
Need minimum of 4 seats
Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 100000
Maximum age: 6 years
Maximum price: US $ 25000
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