Thank you all for your quick and honest replies.
Props for Niky, always worth reading your replies in any thread I visit.

It looks like Accent is still in the lead. The only thing that deters me from really lining up are the numerous complains about the knocking issue and soft suspension. Is Hyundai close to really fixing this issue? If I opt not to buy a car until early next year do you think that's sufficient time to have them fix the issue? Lastly, how much time would it take if I line up for the M/T hehe.

Coming from a small car and not used to really having people at the back, I have a soft spot for minis. Design wise (exterior and interior) so far I like the Chevy Spark, heck my old car (Getz '08 was named Sparky, lol). Since the 1.0 MT (as per Niky and some reviewers out there as well says its the better option) has a huge price discount (518k vs 568k), I'd like to know, apart from the displacement and alloy wheels, is there any other difference at all?

Keep the suggestions and opinions flowing please.