Its actually pretty decent for a torque converter automatic. Low maintenance, shifts are quick enough.

uhhhh what? Mazda has been using a Skyactiv-drive 6 speed auto since 2012. The new generation is no exception. This isnt subaru, there are no CVT’s here.

hmm needs a new wife

Jesus that is soul crushing. I would have said “thanks dear”, and promptly drive to the dealer to trade for the manual. He needs to grow a pair.

My wrx was in for the 60k service (ouch), so I was given a forester sport for a few days. I felt so soulless driving that car. No sound, pretend gears, sitting a mile in the air, all these electronics beeping and flashing at me - it was nuts. I fear the day I need to replace my wrx, its not going to be easy...

I’d agree with you on the ST if it actually came with a real limited slip. The gimmicky torque vectoring with the front brakes rears its ugly head when you actually drive it hard at an autocross or track, and absolutely annihilates those brakes on track. Too bad it's dead. 

The 10th gen civic platform is excellent but the GTI isn’t and shouldn’t be a comparison. Two different classes, categories, levels of performance, and most importantly PRICE. A civic sport hatchback (closest GTI competition to get technical) is many thousands cheaper and attracts a different crowd. Anxiously waiting…

This car doesn’t compete with the GTI. Why the hell is everyone comparing the GTI to this? Even the 1.5 civic hatch outclasses this.

That’s the risk though. Toyota knows it needs to be updated and will likely go way overboard doing it. Better fuel economy and a better infotainment is all it really needs, but just watch them screw it up with a whole bunch of ridiculous styling and gimmicks because that’s what the broader market is trending towards.