I only say this because I am also about to get another vehicle. I have to look at safety, mileage, handling, and reliability (so that list excludes KIA). My choices are going with Honda, Toyota, VW Jetta, and some other runner ups. The Jetta is speaking to me, it may be my first non-american car. And first with a manual transmission... ...weeee. The Jetta I took for a test drive handled WAY better than the other cars I've driven. And I was shocked it only had a 2.0 4 cylinder.
Towlie,
I have a 99 Passat 1.8T 5 speed manual. She gets about 650Km on 40L, has 150HP and tops out at 210Km/hr, and seats four adults comfortablly.
I am hooked now. As long as the VW stays at this level I will be buying my next passat in about 5 years.