The Speed6 just loves winding roads; it is also rather partial to a bit of gravel now and then so on country roads it's a blast! I have tried to put a

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

handle on what the Speed6 is truly like but I think that the best way that I could describe it would be a Subaru WRX without all the boy racer bits.

Of course the vehicle also has its civilized side with plenty of room for the family, reasonable trunk space and a whole host of the usual safety features. It also carries a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with Bose audio system and 7 speakers. This I tried for a few minutes and found extremely pleasant, but not quite as pleasing to the ears as the vehicle's exhaust growl.

All in all, I truly enjoyed my week in the Speed6.

I've tried the so called "hot Hatchbacks" and they're nice but I tend to like a car with a real trunk and a door for everyone. If I were in the market for a new car, I think that I'd forget the "hot hatch" and go for the "flaming four door"!


Price as tested: $38,795 (includes leather package, keyless entry, moon roof $2,800)