The Verdict

At around $50,000, there aren’t a lot of choices for semi-practical, totally fun cars, but the ones available are all excellent. At the low end of the price spectrum, Subaru’s WRX STI represents the raw, low-brow and somewhat childish choice that will cause the neighbours to raise their eyebrows and cluck their tongues at your midlife-crisis car.

Mercedes-Benz has the CLA 45 AMG and its GLA hot-hatch twin, four-cylinder turbo hot rods with more power than either of these competitors, yet is lacking some of the manners of the BMW and Audi.

Audi’s corporate cousin, the forthcoming Golf R, shares some mechanicals with its upscale family member and will start about five grand cheaper. Plus the Vee-dub will offer the option of a stick shift, not available on the Audi.

Any of these cars should make contemporary motoring enthusiasts giddy for fun they provide their owners, without giving up the responsible adult role when needed. These cars are the answer for those of us fearing the revolution, and will help us get through it with huge grins on our faces.

But when it comes down to decision time, it’s the car with the liquid-smooth and gloriously melodic inline-six that captivates me the most. The fluid delivery of that near-endless well of power is simply too addictive to pass up. In fact, it’s so good, don’t be surprised to find me scouring BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned listings next year for M235is.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 4 years/80,000 km powertrain; 12 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance 24-hour roadside assistance

Pricing: 2015 BMW M235i xDrive Coupe
Base Price: $45,000
Options: Premium Package ($4,500), Executive Package ($2,500), ConnectedDrive Services ($500), M Performance Exhaust ($1,500), Speed Limit Info ($350)
Destination: $2,095
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $56,545

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 4 years/80,000 km powertrain; 12 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance 24-hour roadside assistance

Competitors:
Ford Mustang GT
Mercedes-Benz CLA / GLA 45 AMG
Subaru WRX STI
Volkswagen Golf R

Pricing: 2015 Audi S3 Technik
Base Price: $47,500
Options: Misano Red Pearl Effect ($800), Audi Magnetic Ride ($700), Red Brake Calipers ($400), LED Headlights ($1,050), 19-inch Parallel Spoke S-Wheels ($800), Technology Package ($1,400)
Destination: $2,095
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $54,945

Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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