Modern equivalent of '95 clubsport 318ti?
 

It's time to move on from my 318ti and buy a new car. I'm looking for suggestions about a newer car (around model year 2011 or newer probably) that will feel like my 318. Looking for small and nimble, sporty and good looking, but slightly under powered.

Suggestions?

Mini Cooper?

BRZ/FRS?

Fiesta?

If I was looking for something newer and not BMW I'd probably looking towards Mazda.

Isn't the company line, "there are no equals to the TI"?

I'd think RWD and compact would ristrict your search substantially.

1 series BMW? they are basically the new 318ti.

Until they put the drive wheels upfront.

Then you get the 2 Series.

I'm sure that you're not looking for a roadster, but there are many similarities between ti's and Z3's, especially the early 1.9 engine models. Bimmer Magazine recently ran an article, "Most Fun Under $5,000" The three cars: ti's, Z3's, and E-30's.

2011 or newer, the closest thing I can think of would be the BRZ/FRS as already mentioned. It's pretty much the same weight as a ti, rwd, definitely sporty, and has an "underpowered" 200hp/151ft lbs.

+1 The new Subaru/Toyota is a pretty close ringer..

Pt Cruiser
Prius

I think the Volvo C30 is a nice coupe,
Lots of glass, Quiet and peppy,
Handles well and lots of performance support.
Peter

One of the Mazda hatches..

I've had a couple of the Mazda's as rentals, was not impressed.
The ergonomics just didn't work and i HATE blue dash lights. (This bit not limited to Mazda..) Dont care if they look cool they eff up night vision..

I guess the Mazda2 can be a 318ti equivalent too. It is basically a Fiesta with a few changes. It is small and fun to throw around. It may be too small when going from a Ti though.

I think the Mazda3 is a little too big to compare to a 318ti. I drove Mazda3's a lot during the summer due to my job. While I enjoyed the shifter of the car and the responsive steering, I still felt I was a little disconnected from the entire car.