toy4two

Do you need a backseat? Get the same car but with iconic styling, 2005 Audi TT 225 Turbo. Chip it and its forged internals has no problem putting out 260hp / 260ft lbs of torque. Again you'll need to add the Haldex competition controller to make it 50/50 AWD.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

We don't get the option for the suspension however it would've priced this car well out of it's competition. These are all options in EU (suspension, 19" black wheels, Recaro bucket seats).

EVO X starts at 35k and lacks a lot of amenities. STI is the same but a little lower in starting price. Neither have an option for a 2 door.
The S60 T5 AWD is a better argument but still lacks a two door option but does't allow you to row your own gears.

It is pricey but I think you get a lot more than what people perceive. I've driven a WRX and the interior is cheap. I can imagine an EVO isn't much better than a regular Lancer either. At least with the MK6 Golf the interior is already pretty nice but they added standard leather and some nice gloss black and metal trim. If Subaru made a two door STI hatch I would've checked it out, sadly they don't.

If you're concerned with power you can easily fix that. What you can't fix is how nice the interior is without big bucks. Sure you can swap the seats out or reupholster them but what can you do about flimsy plastics and buttons?