In the situation where I was the last time, I probably would've still gotten the same thing. I was looking for cheap cheap cheap but not crap. I never looked at the hatch at the time, though. I probably would have considered the 5 then. I may have also looked into getting the ES trim, since I do like the black interior better than the gray. This car has been a ton of fun to drive otherwise.
The only thing I'd change is I would get a manual. I only half-regret the automatic because it helped me in the beginning when I was getting used to road/daily driving (this is my first car)... there were some situations on intersections where I was glad that I just have to push the gas and get out. Then agian, I'm sure I would've gotten along fine with manual. As I learn more and more abouts cars, the more I wish that I got a manual.
I calculated it and to get the exact same new Laser Blue LX manual (and sell my current auto) would cost me between $3000-$4000. That's not quite worth it for the manual.
So I may trade this car in earlier than I would otherwise because it's an auto.