If budget is not an issue, go for the Mazda 3 2.0. It's undoubtedly the best compact car in the market today.

If you have to stay within the 1800cc displacement, I'd recommend the Honda HR-V. Unlike all other 1.8 (or lower) cars, the HR-V is a crossover with more space and higher ground clearance.

If it has to be a sedan, the only 1.8 compacts available today are the Civic, Elantra, Cruze, and Sylphy. Among them, the Sylphy 1.8V is the best value - has class-leading space and features all for under 1M.