As much as i dislike Holden (and i've grown up with them in my family for the last 23 years) the new ones do seem better than a standard WRX. When you look at power to weight, its fairly close too and while the STi is in a different league, its also in a different price range.

I do agree that buying an Aussie car (well actually most cars) brand new is a big waste of money (but perhaps [W ARGHH X] is well off and comfortable in his finances??) but second hand they can be a good buy. Also some people like to have a brand new car.

Also i dont think theres all that much difference in build qualities. WRX's certainly arent BMW's and the like