You were the one asking about the Lancer, yes?
The car is a little too conservative, but it's pretty good value. Also heard the Eco is the best driving one of the bunch and you can get it with a six speed stick. In fact that's how you get your best fuel economy.
Being one of the newest contenders in the compact segment automatically makes it one of the best.
The Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus are also new and in contest for the best compact car at this moment. Elantra is the best value, Focus is the most dynamic and (at least I've heard) the best driving, Cruze sits in between.