I'm looking for a sporty performance coupe or small four-door with the ability to bring a smile back to my face. My budget is up to $55,000 and I want a manual transmission as I prefer the engagement factor vs. the digital feel of modern automatics. The BMW M240i interests me – I like the rear-wheel drive and sheer push of the straight six – but the "sleeper" VW Golf R provides an interesting counter argument. – Claire, Vancouver

Leeder: It sounds like you've already done your homework, Claire, and know that the M240i is a fantastic vehicle. I don't think there's an auto reviewer in the country who has walked away from driving this without a happy grin plastered on his or her face; it is a ton of fun. If you get it with the manual transmission that you want and don't option up to a sunroof you can come in just under budget. And I mean just – you'll have about $20 to spare.

Richardson: It's good to know there's still a fan of manual transmissions in Canada. The BMW has a nice stick shift and I'd also recommend it, but it faces stiff competition from the Golf R and the Ford Focus RS. The Canada-only Ford will come in just above budget at a little more than $56,000 after taxes and delivery, but you get 350 horsepower and a lovely six-speed manual in a halo car, and jealous looks from Americans.

Leeder: Ahh, the Focus. It is still a Focus, halo and all, which is what would be bumping around in the back of my head if I forked out $56,000 for that car. I know reviewers love it. But. But. It's missing cachet. I'm more in favour of the Golf R, which is long on cachet and a boatload of fun to drive. It, also, has a nice stick shift. Good feel in the palm.

Richardson: I can't believe you're dissing the Focus RS because it's "only" a Ford. Would you say the same about the GT? Or the Lincoln Continental? I could say a lot worse about Volkswagen, you know. Get off that high horse and take it for a drive and you'll see why it's so popular. Which is a problem – there aren't many around.

Leeder: Speaking of horses, perhaps you've recently been kicked by one? I don't have a beef with the Ford badge, just with this particular car. It's that it's a Focus. I remember when they came out. They were boring. And, in my town, they were driven exclusively by seniors, particularly those downgrading from gargantuan Town Cars and Continentals. Now that a few years have passed and it's been juiced up, I'm supposed to forget all about those early blah years? Lady brains don't work that way. We never forget a character flaw.

Richardson: I know that well enough. I remember the way you looked at me the last time we drove together.

Leeder: And neither of us shall forget it. Say what you want about the VW, the experience of driving the Golf R transcends the brand. It has more oomph than its (ample) 292 horses suggest; my first drive in one shocked me. I expected to be bored and underwhelmed, instead I was in love. What could be better than love that comes in under budget?

Richardson: It's true, the Golf R is remarkable, but so is the Focus RS. Claire should try them both, then take us for a ride in the one she chooses. Jessica, you can sit in the back.

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