Test drove 3 fine automobiles recently: Mini Cooper S, Jag X-type, and the V6 Mazda 6.

Mini Cooper S - One hell of a car for the money! The quality is outstanding. THe suspension is very tight for a stock setup. Transmission feel is excellent, as is the smooth power band from the little roots blower. The car is decievingly quick, and the whine from the blower is addicting.

Jag X-type - Much smaller than I expected. Not much head room for me, most likely due to the sunroof. As to be expected, quality is top notch. As far as power goes...holy shit, this car moves! The 5-speed auto shifts crisply and nothing beats the feeling of the Duratec power band hit.

Mazda 6 - Finally went and test drove one. Beautiful car, especially in blue. I couldn't test drive the manual transmission, but I did get behind the wheel of the 5-speed auto (same tranny as the Jag). The car has some decent power, and the manual transmission function actually up/down shifts on command! Basically it is the exact same drive train as the Jag, minus about 10hp. Interior quality is excellent. I must say this is a very impressive car for only $25k.

I want to test out the 5-speed manual V6. However, I did sit in the only one they had in the show room. Shifter feel was excellent...not rubbery like your typical Honda or VW. I have to say that Ford is the ONLY company to make FWD vehicles with shifter feeling similar to that of a Mustang.

I am also due to get a test drive in the new MazdaSpeed Protege when it is delivered to the dealership in the next couple weeks.