While the fuel efficiency of these engines seems to bug some people a lot, I don't mind the results - if you want to maximize your mileage, you have the choice to drive in that manner and you'll get great results. If you want performance, go ahead and thrash it. But at least you have the option.
Small motor, big lag, that's not news either. I had an '02 WRX that was laughably weak at 2,000 rpm. The difference with that one was that I never got good mileage, ever, no matter how I drove it.
Did Ford poach Volvo's seat technology? It seems like Ford seats get a fair number of compliments lately. I'm going to have to check this out.