The previous versions are a pretty cheap car, not much substance. Essentially a swoopy version of the Kia Rio/Hyundai Accent that are difficult to get in and out of and have horrible rear and side outward vision. They did get (optional) more powerful engines, but I wouldn't call them especially great to drive to be honest. Some also got a DSG type automatic, which actually seems to work reasonably well.
Have not been in the new ones yet, not sure how much they changed. I think they all get IRS now, previously only the turbo models got it.
I used to like Hyundai/Kia stuff, but as of late their engines seem to have a fragile streak in them that makes them hit or miss durability wise. Despite recalls and warranty extensions, they do not cover them all. Shame because they generally are well put together and are reasonably equipped and priced, and with the ever cheapening of seemingly everything they do not feel much different than their Toyota or Honda peers. We actually have a 2016 Camry and a 2016 Optima here right now, and driving them back to back you'd never think the Kia was nearly $10k less MSRP.
I still feel like a Miata or S2000 would be more entertaining on the track.