If it was so easy to get a VTiR to handle as well as a Type-R, I'm sure Honda would be bankrupt by now... There are many factors as to why a Type-R handles the way it does, and its not just suspension.

Anyway, to the thread starter, Mazda's are reliable cars and would be up there with Toyota and Honda as the most reliable.

I would either get the Mazda 3, the EG or EK Civic, or maybe for your budget, have you considered a Honda Jazz? I mean you want a daily driver and not a sports car right? Or do you have to have that power just in case? If so, look at a Honda Integra VTiR... or even the EM1/EK Civic VTiR.