I loved my Jetta when I had it (my dad has it now). Tons of fun, and with the seats folded I could fit 8' lumber in it windows closed.
One of my good friends has a Mazda3 with a stick. I love driving that car! I love it when he says "dude I'm tired, you mind driving?" so I would definitely put another tick on that list.
I test drove a Mini CooperS and it is a NICE car. Not nearly as useful as the Mazda, and pricier, but it's like a gokart with a radio.
I hear really good things about the new GTi and you can get it in a 4 door...
If I had the scratch I'd get a Mazdaspeed 3.
