In the U.S. I waited patiently and got my MSRP loaded Core for $40,044. Has the shift knob, all weather mats and cargo liner and frameless Homelink mirror as port installed options so you can get a loaded Core closer to $39K. Without the Tech and Cold Weather package it’s under $38K.

The car at $38k-$40K USD:

 It's a superior car in every way to a WRX Premium/Limited.
 It's $7k-9k cheaper than a Golf R and has a much better manual transmission.
 It's got AWD and is $7K cheaper than the CTR. 
 It's got AWD and is $15k cheaper than the ITR. 
 It's $3K-$5K more than the Elantra N but has AWD.
 It's $3K-5K more than a 40th Anniversary GTI but has AWD and a superior manual transmission. 

For vehicles under $40K honestly the Elantra N 6-speed manual, GTI 40th DSG and GR Corolla Core (with PP) are the 3 best “affordable” performance compacts.

 Elantra N for FWD 6-Speed Manual
 GTI 40th Anniversary DSG (has DCC) for FWD Automatic
 GR Corolla for AWD 6-Speed Manual.