Hey guys...

The automatic is some kinds of comuterized manual transmission or something it's terrible

Get the manual

So the manual is fine?

Yes, see

>Although I feel like I must be forgetting one.
Chevy Sonic RS Turbo

The Mazda3's manual is good too (so's the automatic - it's a normal 6-speed auto, not one of the strange new transmissions that have been having reliability issues). I'd definitely test drive it on the same day as the Focus and compare the two. There's no Mazda equivalent to the Focus ST. Comparing the non-ST higher-end models, the Mazda has a nice interior (doesn't feel like being in a kaleidoscope) but the road noise is bad on rough roads.

The Golf is less fun and less reliable than both, but more comfortable. Tiny hatch space.

Those are the good hatches right now. When the Civic 5-door comes out this fall, it'll probably be better than all of them except less sporty than the Focus and Mazda, and I don't like its infotainment system. Other than that, I'd say its weaknesses are less pronounced than the other cars'.

That's more of a lukewarm hatch. It's slower than a Focus SE 5spd.

Agree here bought the Mazda 3 touring hatch 4 months ago and love the car so far. Got the preferred pkg and extended warranty and was out the door at 20k. Manual is great in the car and ride is comfy. Pic related

Mazda 3
Ford Focus
Maybe Ford Fiesta or Mazda 2
always look at the hatch models, you will prefer their interior space. If you know how to/want to learn manual, buy it. Don't recommend if you do a ton of city driving though.

Just get a fiST

Interior as well