Did some test driving lately, first the Chevy Sonic Hatchback. Tried the turbo model, not bad. Cabin felt artificially large. Dash goes on forever. Slightly noisy, power has a good bit of lag to it. Seat was comfortable, controls well placed. I liked the cloth covered armrest instead of the typical plasticky leather thing in most cars. Steering wheel at it's highest point and pulled all the way out still not high enough or far enough back for me. Leg touches the key when in the ignition. Not sure about this car, not bad, but not quite right.

Next was the Kia Rio 5 door. Cabin felt better, not so huge, but still enough room feel comfortable. Seat was decent, but loose. Felt myself sliding a bit on tighter corners. Quite loud on the road noise, enough to make it crossed off my list. Also, the gas and brake pedals were not tuned well. There's about an inch of play on both pedals that does nothing at all, then it's activated rapidly once any resistance is felt. This resulted in a jumpy performance that I didn't care for. Cheapest car on my list.. for a reason. No thanks.

Finally got a chance to get into the Honda CR-Z. The last week has been bad hail storms in OKC so many lots are in a state of recovery. The only CR-Z I've found for sale on a lot in OKC had some hail damage. I went a few days ago to try it out, and it was all pulled apart on the interior (from them fixing dents on the roof/doors/etc), so they would not let me look at it. Today it was still being worked on, but it was almost done so with the salesman holding the headboard up I was able to drive it around their lot (wouldn't let me on streets with it not finished) and it impressed. It really does feel like a V6 with the tourquey IMA. I was only able to get up to about 25-30mph on a straight on their back lot, so not the best of tests, but the ride was quiet, smooth, and really effortless. I'm going back later this month when they are supposed to get a pair of new CR-Zs in stock, both in my color of choice, North Shore Blue Pearl, as it happens.

Still on the list to look at is the VW GTI. Thinking about the FR-S, but not sure when we might see one at a lot here. Guess I should call them. Any other suggestions?

Noticed the Subaru BRZ is about $1000 more than the Scion version. Any ideas why?

Still on the list to look at is the VW GTI

disclosing my bias (I own one), I'd say that a late-model GTI (not necessarily the latest) is fantastic, and you get a lot of drive for the money.

for comp with the BRZ and FR-S, again see the motor trend story.

but I like my old BMW even better... and I'd strongly recommend looking for a used car these days

Went to look at the GTI tonight, but got there a bit late, so was only able to look in the car and start it up, not drive it. Really impressive interior and the engine is smooth and very quiet. Going to drive it tomorrow and get there a bit earlier.

I like your taste in rides you're testing out. No arguing with a GTI, that's for sure. I've owned and loved an '04 R32 for 8 years now... It's getting a bit up there in miles, so I'll start to drive cars over the next 6 months or so to see what will be a suitable replacement.

One I'm looking forward to be released in June is the Ford Focus ST. I love the looks of that hatch in all black. Stealthy. I'll be driving that for sure.

Went to look at the FR-S and it was sold, so I was next door to the Honda place where the CR-Z was being repair previously, so I stopped in to see if it was finished. It was and we took a drive. Power was pretty good, but mashing from 5 to 50 was not amazing. It's a pretty good car, but not as good as the GTI, though it is about $5,000 cheaper. Considering the price difference, I'd say they are about equal.

Focus ST you say? I'll have to check into that one.