Sporty and Practical

OK. So I've been a fan of sporty cars since I first fell in love with the Mitsu 3000 GT in 1999. --As an aside, I just learned yesterday that the '94-'96 models are considered to be the better of the short run for this great vehicle, and that some, even came equipped with AWD -- I'll also admit that, back then, my hand-me-down, black 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo didn't exactly put my heart aflutter, but we bonded over the next two years to the extent that I still have separation pangs whenever I see a black one driving by me these days.

So how do you mix sporty and practical? Illinois inclement weather ranges from earth tremors, tornados, floods, frozen rain, sleet and hail, severe snowstorms with drifts several feet high, and windy winter weather that's been known to reach -75F due to windchill.

Enter the hatchback with a sporty engine. Or compact sport wagons *shiver* as some decide to call them. *shiver*

Active lifestyles require moderate cargo space, while speed demons and lead foots enjoy the turbo and HP the engines pipe out. AWD is the cherry on the top as it facilitates urban and countryside obstacles alike--without having to go jump rocks like other SUV hardasses might want to.

So who are these...usual suspects?

• The VW R32 is just the AWD-equipped contender, but only if you grab a used one. Otherwise you're stuck with a hearty and speedy GTI or GLI, but no road grip.

• The Subaru lineup offers up AWD galore, and with their Impreza WRX...speedy turbo meets AWD heaven (and WITH manual OMG!). Makes me wanna growl: hey sexy! ;) Alas, 'tis pricey. The other Subarus weren't too sexy for their shirts, until the recent lineup revamp that is (a.k.a., no more "bleh, wagon-ey" rep). The new Forester is quite the looker nowadays. Alas, depending on which one you're looking at, Subarus are an investment vehicle because they sure don't come cheap.
  

• Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (Ralliart). Wow what a contender. I recently found out about this little gem, and I'm really piqued. It seems that it's been around, but just not in the US market. They're fixing that this year (estimated) and it'll be something to see when it goes neck and neck with the WRX. Some car magazine/website reviewers like to clarify that this ain't your Lancer Evo, so don't get smitten too soon. It's a good, cheaper step in that direction, however.
  

• Audi A3. I've lost a lot of my faith in Audi. There's too many (I keep calling Audi and BMW the yuppie Hondas). However, the quattro-equipped A3 is a cargo, AWD, and stylish little contender. Who knows what the struts and suspension would go through in a field however. Also, quite pricey.
  

Then there's the compact SUVs like the Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan, and the upcoming (?) BMW X1. Tasty, expensive, gas mileage is meh, and run on premium.