I agree. Speed isn't what I'm after. It's instant torque. Turbo is fine, I own a 1jz swapped E36. The lag of turbo and lack of torque from the smaller engines isn't for me. I wouldn't mind getting a regular 2.0 civic or gr Yaris, but even those are crazy expensive. As for economy, that's more related to your foot than the car. I've never been one to care much for it. I like to enjoy what I drive. I know I'm too used to the American market, just looking what's out there.
I'd say the perfect daily for me would be inline or v 6 3.0 RWD. Or even 4 cylinder turbo 2.0.