How many other compact saloons you know, that actually looks this classy?
I tell you. NOT MANY!
But then again, I also will tell you that if put reliability above anything else, than I suggest to go with the...ah yes the Subaru Impreza.
Subaru also sells the Impreza in front-wheel-drive configuration with a normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine and now (I think) they have a Turbodiesel engine available for the Impreza.