I'm in the market, and I'm considering:
2007 CSX-S (they're about the same price, and have 4 vs. 3 years of bumper-bumper warranty, problem is, it's like dressing up a whore, at the end of the day, you know she's still just a whore

)
2008 Mazdaspeed3 (with 0% financing and a good deal, the cost isn't all that much more, but maitainance and gas will be a killer, though this is my runner up)
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT (a lot more car for the money, but a lot less performance)
VW GTI (too much extra money for not a lot of extra anything)
Lexus IS 250 (a little more for a lot more luxury, but I'd rather be the king of crap, than the popper of riches)
The Si wins out based on value, durability and fuel economy. It's got everything of real worth that the others do, and for less money.