Hey team, thanks for the welcomes. My current Hyundai is a new i30 Elite provided by my workplace. It's smooth and easy to drive, sufficient power, decent six speed gearbox and very comfortable. But the problem is.. before the Hyundai i had a Mk6 Golf GTI. I miss quality. I miss the tactile and direct steering, i miss the shifter column clicking into gear solidly, i miss seat belts clicking in with a reassuring sound. I also miss feeling like i was driving something a little bit 'special'.
There's nothing wrong with the Hyundai, but it doesn't feel like a car that would last beyond 80,000km. My next vehicle will be lease-to-own, so i want something i'm happy to keep for a few years. I'd like another hot hatch, but i need something slightly cheaper and with five doors (for the german shepherd!).
I'm also considering the Jeep Renegade for a CUV, but i can't imagine it will offer the driver involvement or sexy looks of the CX3. It's also not due in Australia till late 2015, which is too late for me!
The only thing that could put me off the CX3, potentially, is if the rear seats don't fold completely flat and the rear seat loading height is too high. Remember, i need that german shepherd to jump in there, and the rear boot lip/loading height looks too tall!