if not the kizashi than what?

[WESHOOT2]

Some of the cars I've personally owned:

-1987 XT Turbo
-1991 Legacy Turbo
-1995 Impreza LX Coupe
-1997 Impreza LX Sedan
-2000 Impreza 2.5RS Coupe
-2006 Forester XS
-2007 Impreza i Sedan
(cumulative mileage exceeds 375,000)

I have some experience with Subarus, their maintenance, and their performance envelope (including a drive with the flat-6 Legacy on the road course at Loudon, NH).

Regarding the AWD systems, IME the Kizashi equals the Subaru in my operating environment.
My Kizashi gas mileage is better.
While the Subarus offered more suspention travel and ground clearance, the Kizashi HAS gone every place I've attempted, too.
Paved handling is superior in the Kizashi.
CVT vs CVT? Kizashi, by far.
Acceleration while moving is much superior in the Kizashi.
Road noise and cabin appointments, personal. I prefer the Kizashi.
The Kizashi is, IMO, a much tidier size than the large Legacy.

More disclosure: I really am waiting for the up-coming WRX.



Or if the engineers and bean-counters decide, an AWD performance Honda?

[Pyramid1]

You guys that live in climates where AWD/4X4 are more than just "something nice to have in case" will have different priorities than those of us who only briefly see snow/ice 2-3 times a year. When AWD is taken out of the equation, then you're left with the usual suspects of Accord, Camry, Altima, Sonata (none of which compare favorably imo...but maybe the 2013 Accord) and then of course the Mazda 6 (which I've owned and is a decent handler) Jetta GLI (pricey, questionable reliability) and then maybe things like the Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series or the new ILX...but all cost more than a comparably equipped Kizashi, and only the BMW will handle as well.

As already stated by myself and others, there really isn't anything out there that gives you everything the Kizashi does at a similar price point. The Subaru's may be fine cars, but I just find their bodies to be borderline fugly in base form, and boy racerish in the performance trims. But that's just me, others may find them to be a good alternative to the Kizashi..

[KuroNekko]

More disclosure: I really am waiting for the up-coming WRX.

If you mean the production version of this, I too am waiting with much anticipation.

[KIZFAN2]

Sold! I want one

[WESHOOT2]

Yeah, that's the one.

But with my bum left hip and both knees needing replacement, it's gotta have an automatic transmixifier.

[WESHOOT2]

You guys that live in climates where AWD/4X4 are more than just "something nice to have in case" will have different priorities than those of us who only briefly see snow/ice 2-3 times a year.
Exactly, and I agree.
When AWD is taken out of the equation, then you're left with the usual suspects of Accord best of the bunch by a wide margin, Camry can you say "soporific"?, Altima noisy cheap disjointed tinny flexy-flyer, Sonata cheap for a reason (none of which compare favorably imo...but maybe the 2013 Accord) and then of course the Mazda 6 nice car (which I've owned and is a decent handler) Jetta GLI no question, cheap with questionable reliability(pricey, questionable reliability) and then maybe things like the Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series or the new ILX...but all cost more than a comparably equipped Kizashi, and only the BMW will handle as well.

As already stated by myself and others, there really isn't anything out there that gives you everything the Kizashi does at a similar price point. The Subaru's may be fine cars, but I just find their bodies to be borderline fugly in base form, and boy racerish in the performance trims. But that's just me, others may find them to be a good alternative to the Kizashi..

Trade-offs abound.....

[KuroNekko]

You guys that live in climates where AWD/4X4 are more than just "something nice to have in case" will have different priorities than those of us who only briefly see snow/ice 2-3 times a year. When AWD is taken out of the equation, then you're left with the usual suspects of Accord, Camry, Altima, Sonata (none of which compare favorably imo...but maybe the 2013 Accord) and then of course the Mazda 6 (which I've owned and is a decent handler) Jetta GLI (pricey, questionable reliability) and then maybe things like the Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series or the new ILX...but all cost more than a comparably equipped Kizashi, and only the BMW will handle as well.

As already stated by myself and others, there really isn't anything out there that gives you everything the Kizashi does at a similar price point. The Subaru's may be fine cars, but I just find their bodies to be borderline fugly in base form, and boy racerish in the performance trims. But that's just me, others may find them to be a good alternative to the Kizashi..

The Kizashi is in a rather unique sweet spot of affordability mixed with high build quality, ride quality, handling, and good styling. Some cars come close to it, but not quite all there.
Of the cars you mentioned, the new Honda Accord is probably the overall best. It has garnered much critical acclaim. Personally, I would take the Mazda6 in a 6 speed with their new diesel. I hope these new Mazdas are better built than the previous ones. While my old Mazda3 was not bad, my Kizashi is noticeably better built, both in the interior and mechanicals, IMO.

The Acura TSX and BMW 3 Series are nice, but they are several thousand dollars more than the Kizashi and the like. The ILX is a joke. It's a fancy Honda Civic. Reviews I have read pretty exposed this unavoidable fact. The RSX it replaced was a better car.

Personally, if I was looking at the 3 Series and TSX, I would really check out the new Cadillac ATS. The car looks sharp and is said to be very good in both handling and engine performance. The new Mercedes CLA is also very slick too, but probably doesn't have the performance orientation of the ATS. Sadly, these cars are considerably more expensive than the Kizashi, which goes to show the Kizashi offers a lot for the money; a great value.

Keep looking for a Kizashi, I guess.