Car Sales Data (2014)

[niky]

In the US, the mix is 50:50 or even 60:40 in favor of the manual.

Here, I'd wager it's around 50:50. People buying the 86 want it for the driving experience, not the convenience.

A "hot" Mazda3 or Civic still has to do double duty as a daily driver.

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The Civic is more expensive secondhand than the TDCi, but it's faster (AT to AT, though, the Focus is better off the line, but the Civic will eclipse it on the highway), from what I've seen. About SiR fast (but muuuuuuch easier to launch), and with better amenities, space and handling... despite the lack of double-wishbone suspension.

If you can find one secondhand, they make great project cars. The stock engine easily makes 200 - 250 whp under boost, and there are a lot of performance and cosmetic parts available for the platform.