Well, basically we need to know what you are planning to do with the car.
If you are simply looking for DD transportation, I don't think you can do anything, but get the Lancer. It looks mean and stylish, plus I think there are a lot of options and feels that you can't get on other type of cars without paying the premiums.
If you are looking to modify it for racing, like I would, Don't get the CVT transmission (it won't hold up to the extra force). I know that the new motor should be more acceptive of mods than the first years the lancer was in the states (02-03).