I think this was debated recently in another thread (the whole SP23 vs. Civic Sport)...
Performance-wise I'd pick the SP23; especially if you can afford the leather/bose pack.
However, for value for money but not so great performance, the Civic Sport is hard to beat. Civic Sport (IMO) looks better both outside and inside, and the interior feels to be of a more advanced/classy feel than the now somewhat dated "black/red" look of the SP23. That is a personal preference of course, but I've found that even in demo model SP23s, the interior was not up to the standard I'd expect from a $35k car.
As for other cars available, can you drive turbo (ie. are you a new P Plater)? If not, you could always wait for new Impreza/Lancer, Astra, Alfa 147, Festiva, Golf, etc...
I personally was picking between Astra CDX Coupe (1.8L), Honda Civic VTi-L (don't get this- either go VTi or Sport; VTi-L is pointless I've realised), SP23, 147 and Mini Cooper. I ended up with the VTi-L Civic as it was the nicest feel to me, liked the drive, decent power for a 1.8L, etc...