The MS3 is pretty damn nice, it only has a very slight hint of turbo lag and then it pulls like mad, in any gear. There is good torque everywhere! There is a fair amount of torque steer and at first it is really noticeable, but once you get used to the car it is not a problem at all, I have driven cars with less power that are far worse. Wheelspin is a problem though, but the traction control allows a chirp and then intervenes. If you turn it off, it will smoke the tires big time!Unfortunately, because of this the 0-60, etc. times on the car suffer.
From a roll, it's a whole other story, it is F'n quick, seat of the pants says close to STI/Evo quick, especially in 3rd and 4th gears. I think I freaked out an AMG C55 owner when I kept up with him on a pull from 60-100mph on the highway, he started driving like an ass to get away, so I let him go. Redline is around 6500 and you hit the limiter real quick in the first three gears.
The handling is very sharp and responsive, very quick steering (I'd liken it to a Mini or an Evo), great feedback, good brakes, etc.. Some may find the handling a bit nervous, especially with the torque steer
I took it on a tight canyon road and it was fun, perhaps too fast for such a tight road.
Good fit and finish on the interior for a car of this price range. Leather seats are great, very comfy and hold you in good.
The major let down is the shifter, it does not have a very satisfying feel and is a bit vague. This was a bit of a surprise for me, I had a Protege 5 once and the shifter was really good (not Miata good though).
The suspension is firm but it seems to crash on some of the bigger bumps, expansion joints and potholes.
Also there is a big exhaust with a very fruity and somewhat loud note, I did not find the exhaust note all that appealing (it was a bit deep for the spirit of the car)and it could get a bit droning on the highway.
Gas mileage will suffer a lot if you are on it all the time. I went through a tank of gas in less than 200 miles!
I'd imagine the car is pretty bad in the snow, so if you live in a snowy climate, you may find the WRX wagon a better choice
......seems like hes really loving it and putting in a good word.
