Yup, the Mazda idea is stupid. Very stupid. The Outback is loved for its ease of use. Making the Mazda similar to the X4 (slant-back design) would limit its effectiveness on a platform that's already mulled as "too small" for many (i.e. the CX-5 compared to, say, the Santa Fe). Add in the lack of people's knowledge of Mazda's AWD system prowess and I think Mazda is barking up the wrong tree. The Outback is the anti-stylish, go-anywhere, easy-to-live-with option. A CX-4 would not offer any benefits that Outback buyers enjoy.
Just because Mazda and Subaru both have 2.5L NA 4-bangers does not make them direct competitors!!
I saw an i8 yesterday on my way home from work. Still a disappointment, IMO. Futuristic, for sure, but not ageing well (also IMO). Performance still remains middling comparatively (looking at the MT tests...).
The S2000 has a TON of potential, but I think Honda beancounters will ruin it. I can understand why the Kei car that Honda just unleashed on Japan won't be offered here (due to crashtesting regulations), and I'm sure building SOMETHING on the NSX platform would be in the cards (the "baby NSX" we've all been waiting for).
However, if Honda goes back to the drawing board, makes a MX-5/BR-Z competitor that is F/R, lightweight, and >200hp (and popular with the tuning crowd), it'll be a huge hit.
Target the Fiat 124 on the other hand, and I agree...pricing will be an issue.
This thing has to be in the $26,000-35,000 range. Top $40k and it's no longer reasonable.