Tire wear issue is a non-issue here in Canada - at least with our 2008. Car isnt as tight as it could be, but certainly has no trouble handling what little power it does have.

Try loading it up with camping gear and then driving up hill - you definately feel the lack of power and torque.

I think this car could handle 200 hp.. new 2011 can coem with a 6 speed manual too which would rock, this 5 speed isnt good enough, revs are too high at highway speeds..

 

Over here, my diesel sport has far too much understeer when "pushing", but can easily cope with a load of 7.
Think it's quoted as 143 BHP, and already has the 6 speed box.

generally, most standard cars struggle when over 150 HP and front wheel drive.
they can cope, but need a bit of tweaking.