1) An S2000 but not really that much of an improvement on frugality as you need to thrash it to get anywhere
Had one and it was better on fuel than the 350Z
2) A VW GTi but costs a fortune to find one with reasonable mileage
3) A Scoob Impreza - not really that much of an improvement frugality wise.
if driven out side the turbo then not bad on fuel, but if you drive it properly its worse by a long shot
4) VX220 / Elise - will be in the garage every other week, Georgie the lab wont like the seats.
my mate had the VX220turbo, as far as i remember it never really had any issues, and only went in to the garage to make it go faster
5) Cooper S JCW - Has the frugality but I have worries about the gearbox
The cooper S is pretty solid car, not heard many issues with the gear box, but then never looked into them too much.