My CRX HF was a mild compromise between the two, the high fuel efficiency CRX way back when. The pup got 50+ miles per gallon on the freeway. It was cute and it was tiny enough that with my stick shift control of when I would shift up or down, I was able to get enough power out of it to feel good about the beast. It handled well, and it looked nice for the price range. When it got totaled, I went without for a while.
I then stumbled on the Turbo Diesel Passat, which, at high altitude, with the turbo assist, is a very, very fine car. It has German handling, enough power to pass nearly anything I'd be comfortable passing, has room for Jet and all his stuff, and it looks like an ordinary sedan. I'd imagine it's why the last five times I've been stopped by policemen I've been let go with only a warning.
Did I mention that I like driving to the capabilities of the car?
Ah, yes. The other thing is that the Passat, since it is a diesel, gets 45 MPG in city driving. 50+ on the open road.
I never thought I could do better than that, until I saw the TZero. Ferrari handling with a thousand times the fuel efficiency. Yowza. Honestly, though, I don't think I'm going to get off of any tickets in that...