Depending on budget and how firm you are on the hatch back, some of the aristocrats might provide a good balance.
I’m thinking something like a G35 would get you creature comforts, manual trans, and Japanese reliability.
You’d have to give up some economy and hatchback, but if you can live with a trunk it might be a fun “grown up” car.
I like my wife's Volt. I like my 9-3 Aero SportCombi better though (thanks HungaryBill)
codrus said:I'll say +1 on the GTI.
How old are you willing to go? Integra or RSX? DSM?
Age is a balance between safety and intrusive nanny crap and figidity electronics.
I'd say crumple zones, minimal airbags, and anti-locks matter. That makes me feel better about my kids driving. That should but me in the early 2000's or later.
I find modern electronics on virtually all cars annoying, intrusive, bordering on dismal. They make cars hard to maintain and too easy to want to fidget with continuously. Manufacturers should be in the business of selling useful vehicles, not tracking and selling me.
Totally love the way new cars drive. But really find them invasive.
But, I'm a grownup. 
Having just sold one, E46s are pretty much at the bottom of their depreciation curve right now. I would find the nicest one with the lowest mileage in your price range. A very good blend of comfort and sportiness. Quiet and relaxed if you're just putting around, but willing to play when you want to. Relatively easy to work on, and parts are not terribly expensive. Not overly electronic. Nannies are not intrusive, and can be turned 100% off (including ABS) with several pushes of a button.
Strong chassis, front and side-curtain airbags, optional side and rear airbags. Good size trunk.
Find and drive both a 325i and a 330i. The 330i has about 40hp over the 325i, and they don't command as much premium they used to. But my 325i was entertaining enough to drive and gives 25 mpg easily with a manual.
In reply to Duke :
I was gonna rule out BMWs because of my unfamiliarity with them and my fear of a BMW premium for service, repairs, and maintenance, but that's a good post, and helps define it well for me.
Ok, I'll consider them.
In reply to SVreX :
The aftermarket is relatively strong, for both modification and maintenance parts, which keeps prices reasonable. Any weaknesses are well known and usually have a prepackaged kit to address them (ie cooling system refresh). Pelican Parts and Turner Motorsport are your friends. The best thing I can say about BMWs of this era is that for the most part, they were designed to be worked on.
VW is still selling TDIs? I thought that was all over.
I'm in a similar boat as the OP, except for at a lower budget. My leading candidate is the 1st or 2nd gen Mazda 3, also considering a Mazda 2, or Mazda 6 wagon. My dad has a '15 3, and it's really amazing.
The Fit was ruled out when I saw how bad the side visibility is (at least on the 2nd gen). I'm suspect of most things German for reliability concerns, but maybe I'm too cautious.
14-UP Forte 5 sx, and tune it. Something about 220whp frying one tire is amusing to me. Or used Turbo Veloster tuned.
I've driven a non-turbo Veloster or two (rental car spec automatic ones) and actually quite like them. Engine is nothing to write home about but it does the job, I liked the seating position and it got the job done with very reasonable fuel consumption while at least feeling a little bit fun.
No comparison to my 06 Mini Cooper S, though, for me that would win hands down on the fun factor.
Here's a link to my project thread - it's been screwed by photobucket, but the words are all there. Currently my '07 VW GTI has no issues what so ever. 146k miles.
The unloved Civic Si... 2002-2005(ish?)
I am currently using my '06 MCS JCW as a part time commuter. Some highway. Some fun B-roads. Some stop & go. I've put about 6K miles on it since I bought it in July with 93K miles, so closing on 100K soon (48 miles, each way). So far, no problems but I know that won't last. I've been around MINI's too long. I anticipate it needing a clutch in a year or so.
My other commuter is a '03 Jetta TDI wagon. Much more comfortable than the MINI and obviously better MPG. A diesel + manual = almost fun in traffic (it'll do 25 mph at idle in 5th). Lighter clutch than the MINI, which also makes stop & go traffic easier to deal with, although the clutch in my '06 MCS is lighter than the one in my ex's '03 MCS. A comment I've heard a few times from drivers who go from early R53's to later versions. VW A/C is much more powerful than the A/C in the MINI - it's almost American-car A/C.
A coworker has a FoST. I've been in it a few times. It's definitely more refined and comfortable than my R53 and gets better MPG. Seats are sportier/tighter which can be good or bad depending on your size. Being a newer car, it has more current ICE features.
Had a current Mazda3 for a rental recently. Drove it 12 hours each way for a vacation, and then used it to get around once there as well. 1400-ish miles over 8 days. I really have nothing bad to say about it at all. Fuel economy was strong, interior was much nicer than the junk I daily, and it was comfortable for both me and Mrs STM (both tall) for the long trips. I didn't get a chance to test it's sporting intentions or investigate which nannies could be shut off, but overall it seemed like a decent car.
Honda CR-Z - HYBRID Sounds good. Economic and flashy..
PSST - I'll have a 2011, Blue, Very Clean, for sale this week. PM me for more info.
Of all your options, the Leaf would be highest on my list. Its also the cheapest one new/lightly used.
Look at Fiesta. Fun to drive, excellent fuel mileage. They can be had pretty cheap.
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