Well, Pete, if she's a keeper that bleeds crimson and blue like my wifey, she'll learn stick. Besides, maybe you can ride the KU victory high to ease any problems she might give you.

Less smiley, more Furai. It would help if that upper lip was body colored. Ugh, first the smiling MX-5. Now this. How did the non-US Mazda6 escape this trend?

Meh on the Mini. Meh on the dep Mayor. For as old as I may feel, she just doesn't do it for me. Maybe if she was still in her late twenties...

I am a huge Mazda fanboy. That said, Mazda's weakness is in its engines (lower power, fuel economy, and refinement). Most come from the Ford parts bin. So are they unable to develop better engines on their own, or have they been handcuffed by Ford all these years? I hope it's the latter.

I wonder if at that angle, he was just propping himself up with his feet, and one happens to be on the accelerator?

I caught myself humming it:(

@six: Yes, this is the more appropriate QOTD. Since these DSG systems have a full auto mode usually, you're brain will in most cases just realize it's pointless to shift it yourself. The key is in the clutch.

Yes, the five door looks like an Aveo, but the three door does bring back Dodge/Mitsu Colt memories from the late 80's. In fact my brother had a red one that survived years and +140k of merciless assault on the hills of SF without a clutch replacement.

Umm, the left stalk should be the lights and turn signal. The right one should be for wipers. That's how I've seen it on Mazdas and Toyotas. I have no problems with it. Now, 90's Fords with the windshield control on the turn signal stalk on the left resulted in lane changes accompanied by flipping wiper blades. …

I'm fine with the look. Like the Prius and Insight are great lookers. I'm still in disbelief of the that center stack though. Worst idea ever! If you think the styling of the car will get it lost in traffic, don't worry. You'll spot it because the hazards will be on, steam will shoot out the driver side window,…

Squeaking by the Fiesta in the last turn, the Beat headlight reaches the A pillar finish line first.

This is no Furai!

Please, please, please let there be a C and D pillar. Otherwise it looks like they're trying to out do the CTS wagon for largest C pillar EVAR. I can't believe I'm considering Cadillac products now.

On the bright side, I won't have to trade in my 2007 MX-5 now...

Oh, so the Scirocco IS the next GTI!

Why must the ass be so ugly? Wagon please!

Um, why must you tempt us with photos of the non-US spec model????

...but give me a wagon, and all is forgiven.

Kinda odd proportions. Long front overhang. Short stubby butt. Kinda opposite what I think it should be.

Let's hope Ford has learned something from the 2000 Focus launch.