Welterweights: Honorable Mentions

I figured that there should be some wrap up for the c-segment, and I wanted to offer my take on some of the other competition out there.

2012 Honda Civic

Seen here in the Si Guise, the Civic has always been a solid performer in the C-segment. The current styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary. I've only driven the previous generation, but according to more folks, the car is much the same as the previous generation, though the Si is less rev-happy in the interest of being more fuel efficient. I did get a chance to sit in one at the recent Silicon Valley Auto Show, and I found the interior to be very contemporary, almost futuristic. In short: worth your time, but there may be better options out there.

2012 Hyundai Elantra

I haven't driven one, but it's a very handsome car, and for the money, you can get a lot of value for your money. The high end runs about $20k, but with that, you get satellite radio, heated front AND rear leather seats, and a list of options as long as your arm. Bottom Line: If passenger comfort is your goal, this is probably your best bet.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Seen here in the GLI trim, the new Jetta is another solid, if large, performer in the c-segment. Sporting German heritage and styling, this is a solid performer. Some problems: in the base segments, the rear suspension is torsion beam rather than multi-link as in previous Jettas (though the multi-link is standard in the GLI). This gives the car a slightly less perky demeanor than in previous generations. Bottom Line: Go for the TDI or the GLI. Don't bother with the baseline.

2012 Ford Focus

Think of this as the American 2nd cousin to the Mazda3 (or vice versa), the new Focus is a great thing for the American market. Available in 4 door sedan or 5 door hatch, new styling, and a great driving dynamic, the new Focus is a little softer than its distant Mazda relation, but may be a better balance for comfort.
Bottom Line: If the general Focii are too tame for you, wait for the upcoming Focus ST. The hairy chested version of the Focus should be good for 250+ horsepower.

All in all, there are plenty of great options out there in the C-Segment. The Trick is finding one right for you.