If it's performance & handling, the Jetta is the better option based on the choices you have listed ... But then if the budget is slightly higher, you can get the fully imported from Germany Golf 1.4TSi which drives better than the Jetta (at the cost of sacrificing space). If its space and handling, I agree with cybermaster98 that the K5 is a viable choice (sacrificing power vs the Jetta). In terms of maintenance, the Jetta is every 15,000km or 1 yr whereas Civic is every 5k so it works out to be similar. Bang for buck, I won't consider Altis and Civic unless it's resale value you're after