The Cube would be nice enough, but not what I'm looking for in this regard -- I'm looking for something a bit 'sportier' if I don't drive on a daily basis. The Prius is practical 'enough' though I admit the cube (or the xB or pretty much anything) would be a step up on the 'cool' factor.

I miss motorcycling something awful. I know people who've been hurt and killed, and it saddens me, but honestly -- we're all going to die, and I'd rather die happy than die bitter... Not that I go out of my way to court death, either. I'm anal retentive about helmet and protective gear but I know there is still risk. But if it won't do zero to 60 in under 8 seconds, corner at over .85G and put a smile on my face on a twisty road, I probably won't consider it. Probably means a MINI Cooper S, not the base car, but you can't have everything :)