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I’m currently in a quandary over my new car decision. I’ve started looking & have a few models in mind which are listed below. I am curious on what people would suggest & also if they have any alternatives.

I currently drive a 2003 Holden Astra (Automatic) CD model. The car will be traded in when I finally make the leap & purchase a new model. I’m looking for something for a bit more power but it still has to be an automatic.

I’m currently looking at the following:

Mazda 3 SP23
Subaru Impreza 2.0r
VW Golf GT (1.4 TSI)

I know there are a few new models being released within the next 12 months to also consider such as the Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus & Mitsubishi Lancer. Would it be worth waiting longer & looking at these models?

Any help would be much appreciated.  

I'm assuming you hail from Australia.  

Of the three you're currently looking at, I'd pick the Mazda.  For all three, the nomenclature is different from American models, but I'm assuming that the Mazda3 SP23 features the 2.3 liter engine available here, the Impreza 2.0R features a 130-something HP flat 4, and ...well, I don't know what to make fo the Golf.  Is TSi a diesel, or is it a 1.4 Liter gasonline?  

Either way, the Mazda is reliable, stylish, and gives up very little to the golf in fit/finish and interior quality.  Add to that the fact that the Mazda is a superior handler, and I'd say the Golf is outclassed, unless, for some reason, the GOlf has much more power, as in a GTi.  The Impreza is the odd-man out.  It's a scrappy, fun-to-drive, back-to-basics car whose mechanical excellence is just as evident as its lack of modern refinement.  With the U.S. spec 2.5 Liter, I think the Impreza makes a good case against the Mazda3 if AWD is important.  But with a 2.0 Liter, the difference between the two, presumably, becomes clear--with the Mazda's excellent handling, superior power, and classy interior winning out.  

The Mitsubishi Lancer, assuming it's available with the same 2.4 Liter as in the U.S., is a competent competitor to the Mazda.  I suppose only personal preference is valid between the two.  

If Australia is due to get  the new Focus--that is, the one that's available in Europe and is based on the Mazda3 Chassis, then it's only worth waiting for if you find something disagreeable about the Mazda.  The New Subaru is a mystery.  It sure looks nice, inside and out, but I have no helpful insight about what it'll drive like.  

The US are getting the Subaru in September so I'm hopefully going to be able to organise a test drive while on holiday.

How does the Dodge Caliber drive if you know? They have just released it in Australia but it is hard to get to a Dodge dealership as they are few & far between in this country.

The Golf GT works out to be more powerful than the Mazda thanks to it's super charger & turbo charger. It comes in around a 2.5L V 6 engine if a true comaprison is to be made.

The current Lancer is outdated but the new version is released next year here & I don't think my current car will hold out that long.  

OOOhhhh, you've already got the cool new Super/turbo charged VW 1.4?  I had no idea that engine had actually come to fruition outside of Europe.  I'm jealous.  With the power difference between the Mazda and VW being nill, I'd say the choice between the two is up to personal opinion.  With the suspension settings available in the US, the Mazda is superior, but with a sacrafice.  It's a bit crunchy over large-displacement pavement ripples, but corners flatter, and I find it easier to coax the rear end into a bit of a slide.  The VW is capable, but less fun.  It's also a bit more refined, and I have no idea whether or not US suspension settings are carried over to Australia.  

As for the Dodge Caliber: If it's anything like the US-spec model, it's crap.  The Interior is nasty, it handles like a pig (for its small size), and it's slow, especially considering respectably powerful engines.  10 years ago, the Caliber might have been a pretty good car.  But with VWs and Mazdas available for a similar price, the low overall quality and execution of the Caliber stands out as decidedly sub-par.  

If your current Mitsu Lancer is the same as our 2006 Lancer, it's not a bad car.  But it's not exciting either.  But then again, it depends on what you consider "exciting."  The old lancer was a very capable handler, and in top-spec, had a very respectable 150+ HP engine featuring a rather underrated Valve timing and lift system that makes Honda's VTEC look old-school.  It was criticized for a frumpy body and cheap-feeling interior, but then again, it's the exact same interior as an EVO. With competition like the Mazda3 and VW GT, the Lancer is probably outdated, as you suggest.    But it's also likely much cheaper and just as fun to drive.

Either way, you're in good company with either of the three cars, and I'd probably sill lean toward the Mazda because, Stateside, the smaller VWs have had a rather poor long-term quality record.  It's usually small failures like window lifts and dashboard lights.  But it can get expensive after the warranty expires.  

Then again...as a technology and engineering geek, I'd be tickled to drive something with VW's awesome turbo/supercharged 1.4Liter.  

The new VW Golf was released here a month ago & sits just above the Mazda 3 SP23 in pricing.

Suspension for all imported cars is tweaked for Australian standards. Not sure how these compare to US standards but they are more comfortable to drive than using European suspension.

The Dodge Caliber is exactly the same design as the US just shifted to right hand drive. I was just asking as it actually looks good as a small SUV & is priced very well (mainly due to the A$ exchange).

The Lancer here has been the same model since 2000 as I believe they are built here. It is a lot cheaper to buy but is outdated. I can't really wait until the new model is released in March 2008.

My only issue with the Mazda is the amount of road noise at high speed. I've received a few complaints from other forums & also friends who drive varying versions of the Mazda 3. It can be resolved by switching tyres & slightly lowering the suspension.

I'm going to make a final decision in October when I get back from the US & buy a new car. I've test driven the 3 cars on my list & at the moment prefer the Golf GT. When I return I'll re-test drive all 3 as the new Impreza will be available. My partner still isn't happy though as I'm trading in her 2003 Astra for it.

I'll keep you updated once I have a decision made.

Thanks for your input.