I myself didn't want to cheap out on the power again, and I feel like on the GTI they have a reason to focus on handling while the Mazda handling is becoming 2nd to "upscale" (torsion beam rear, really?). Either way you can't go wrong, though.
The 2011 aka first model year of the MK6 Jetta also had a torsion beam. Then they went independent. I'm hoping Mazda wakes up and goes independent a year or two in, because I absolutely LOVE the look of the new 3. It's frickin beautiful.
That, or they release another Speed3. I don't understand why they discontinued. I'm sure it was a money thing but I'd honestly love to entertain another hatch, but without a Speed3 to look at, I am sequestered to the GTI, because I will not look at a Ford or a Subaru.