If the convenience of its five-door design doesn’t convince you that the MazdaSpeed3 is at least worth a test drive, the sledgehammer engine under the hood will. A walloping 280 lb-ft of torque means the Speed3 has ample power at just about any speed.

While it might prove difficult to live with on a daily basis, those looking for a fun top-down Sunday driver will appreciate the Solstice’s handling and 2.4-liter engine.

While it might not be the techno wizard that its big brother the Lancer Evolution X is, the humbler Lancer is a great compact sedan and the CVT automatic transmission comes with sporty F1-style magnesium paddle shifters.

The MX-5’s nearly 20 year-old formula of pairing a rev-happy engine with rear-wheel drive still provides a thrilling drive to this day. Equip the automatic hardtop option for comfortable use in any season.

The HHR SS shares the same drivetrain and underpinnings as the Cobalt SS. As a result, it provides all the thrills of the Cobalt with the practicality of a crossover.

Don’t let the Mini Cooper’s low power output dissuade you. The engine gets the car’s relatively low mass up to speed without issue and returns excellent fuel economy at the same time.

It may be the original hot hatch, but the 2008 GTI proves that it’s still one of the best. The torque-rich turbocharged engine, competent chassis and well-finished interior all combine to make it a fantastically capable compact.

For a front-wheel drive car, the Cobalt is an absolute monster on the track. Its 18-inch wheels provide the torquey 2.0-liter with plenty of grip and its sport-tuned suspension makes it formidable in the corners.

The Civic Si features a slick six-speed gearshift and a 2.0-liter VTEC engine that is an absolute aural delight when screaming towards the redline. It’ll put a smile on your face over and over again.

If unique style is your forte, look no further than Volvo’s new C30. It’s ultra-hip “floating” center console and buzzy five-cylinder turbo engine are guaranteed to spark the interest of passengers.http://www.kingstonview.org/uploads/pnwautos/08VV_C30T5Versio3Dr0_C2.jpg