I'd say the new WRX is the best option out there for a awd car in and around that price range. I've got an STI hatch and love it but certain things would make me lean towards a new WRX if I had to do it again. The new FA motor is incredible and makes a shit ton of power and low down usable torque for a 2 litre while still returning reasonable gas mileage...unlike my sti which sucks more gas than a native reservation. Even Cobb was a big fan of the power results from the 2 litre.
COBB Tuning ? 2015 WRX Tuning Results : 344 WTQ / 313 WHP