All good choices, i would surely go for the Audi A3, if its in your budget, the Forester is great for the snow! Good picks!

Thanks Alx- I know you're familiar with a wide range of what's out there.
I've tested the A3- a casual spin and it is awesome- build quality is incrediblely tight.
I wish quattro would be offered with the 4cyl...but the Audi guys say its not going to be an option.

Really i dint know that, i wouldn't get it without Quattro. Thats my pre-requisite when i buy an Audi.

Yeah, so far that's what they are saying...have to order the 3.2 w. dsg to get quattro....still, Audi could always change their minds.
I like the 4cyl with turbo and direct injection- a bulletproof engine with lots of torque, sweet revs... and great mileage.

I'll probably be getting a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX or MR edition. I still have to go test drive a lot of things. I had an Audi TT 225 coupe before, but I'm not driving right now.