Advice on mid-sized hatchback purchase

[moobster70]

Hi folks, first post, short term Lurker.

I'm currently looking to downsize the mrs' Honda FRV for a small economical Jap hatch.

On my shortlist are as follows

Mazda 3 1.6
Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic 1.6 Sport
Honda Jazz - even though she's a distance off 60!
Nissan Almera 1.5

Budget around £2k, maybe 3 - depends what I get for the FRV!

I'm looking for reliability, obviously, and decent fuel economy. For the latter, I may end up having to discount the Mazda, as I've heard they only get about 33mpg.

Anything I've missed from the list or specific points I should look out for in the above?

Thanks.

[moobster70]

Anyone with any comments? Would be appreciated.