Subaru Impreza Hatchback vs Mazda3 Hatchback
I am planning to lease a car -- I know that many of you may discourage this idea but I have been putting a lot of thought and research into it and I really feel that leasing is my best option right now. So - that being said, my only question now is: lease a new Subaru Impreza Hatchback Ltd Edition or a new Mazda 3 Hatchback Grand Touring Edition.
I know the basics, you know - the most prominent differences: Mazda gets better gas mileage due to skyactive technology and FWD - Subaru is AWD, which is good for me because I'm moving back into the CO Rockie Mountains where the roads get really bad and the only way out of town is via Rabbit Ears Pass which gets very nasty at times in the winter. Also, to get the ltd edition on a Subaru may cost slightly more than the highest edition on the mazda - but not so much that it's a deterrent. I guess I am hoping that some people on here that have some experience with each of these cars can give me some insight. I have not yet test-driven the Subaru - I'm doing that on Thursday (2 days) but I know I love subies because I used to have one, though I have never driven one with only a 2.0 L engine. I'm not too sure about now getting a 2.0L - it may leave me wanting after my BMW with a 2.5L 6 cylinder!! But I am trying to consider gas mileage. and besides I cannot afford an outback or forester. I have already driven the mazda and enjoyed it very much - but I drove the base model thinking it was all I could afford, so I don't know what the GT is like, though I do know how the drive feels and it was fun!
Any insight would be much appreciated. I'm going to make my final decision after I test-drive and look at the impreza, but once again - if any of you out there have either of these cars and want to put in your two cents I would love that! Thanks!!