I'm basically a patriotic fool. so the idea of going elsewhere is not an option, though I have a bit of a weakness for the Impreza Turbo and 156 V6 AlfaXPower Admin! said:If I was in the market the 1.8i would be on the bottom of my 75 list! I would think it is an edequate car, but slightly underpowered (I can't really judge as I've never driven one). I guess the answer is to test drive the range. Or even dare I say it, drive its competitors too! Have an open mind and buy what best suits.
If economy is what you are after then it must be the CDT!
For me the 75/ZT range starts at the V6 models - then I would look at the *** 3 & 5 - Audi A4 - MB C-class - Volvo 60. Then hopefully you are back to the 75/ZT!
However, you haven't mentioned budget or requirements.