Low mileage on of these:

 

WRX wagon sounds like the ticket. Or Fit Sport if you truly don't care about power. Would also add a TDI Golf but not that reliable IMO.

 

Pretty much my same requirements for a new DD next spring. I've been leaning towards a used 2010+ Mazda 3 hatch, 2006+ Impreza Hatch, ~2006+ Forester. If I decided to spend a bit more and go with new, I'd be looking at new Golf/Jetta/Jetta sportwagen, Mazda 3 Skyactive hatch, or new Impreza sport. I'd stay away from the Mazdaspeed 3. Very capable car, very fast, but pretty rough for a DD, and the gas mileage + premium gas was horrible.

 

2004-2005 Jaguar XJ - trunk is huge, gets good hwy gas mileage. Has all the looks and options one could want, reliable and hold its value at this point. 4 wheel double wishbones like S2000.

 

If getting MS3, get 2008.5 and above. Sport versions are cheaper and faster than GT, weighs 100 lbs less.

 

Pretty much the opposite of what the OP wants.

 

He will go broke trying to keep it on the road.

 

I wonder if this



has ever been cross-shopped with a Honda Fit before. Ha ha ha.

Nice looking car, not for me though.

 

I think the mazdaspeed 3/fit are probably the best options, but here are a few more interesting ideas. I'm not certain about the reliability of the Volvo, but the v50 t5 wagon always struck me as a quirky alternative to the s4 avant.

Saab 9-2x aero/WRX?
Volvo V50 T5
VW Jetta sports wagon/tdi sportswagon

 

05ish Suby Legacy GT Wagons. Nicer than the WRXs. Usually not beat on. Can find as a manual. Turbo + Cobb = pretty damn quick. Doesn't come up with the off road look like the Outbacks (good choice though) or the boy racer feel WRX.