[rosswond]

Out of all those the Fit will cost you the least for fuel. It has four doors and better cargo capacity than any.

Don't be too concerned about the torsion beam, it works well enough. Get the Sport though for an added rear sway bar and better stability. I think the Civic also has one?

The drum rear brakes, I can't comment much on their effectiveness because our model has rear discs. I think the drums probably give you a far more effective parking brake, and really, the rear brakes on a light FWD car don't do a whole lot, because most are very nose heavy.

It all depends what you want it for:

Space and economy - the Fit
Outright performance, money no object - the Mini
Sedan styling and some light weight towing ability - the Civic or the Subaru