My wife recently got new car. We tried Honda jazz, Honda city and Kia Cerato. Jazz felt a lot more upmarket inside than city but was too small. City is very basic inside so she went Cerato which has a bigger engine 2l and more features.
I was a bit of a brand snob and told her to stick with Honda but she chose Cerato (happy wife happy life) so I agreed.
It's actually a really good car. I like Mazda also but ur talking different price bracket for a 3 series.
In summary go Cerato
Hope this helps mate
PS go res!!!
RES Price at posting:
40.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held