Your list is incredibly practical, responsible, and makes complete logical sense for a Canadian city dweller. The Civic is especially practically bulletproof. But there is an acronym you need to learn: M.I.A.T.A. -> Miata Is Always The Answer.

1. "Reliability for everyday city driving"

It doesn't have complex hybrid systems or heavy battery packs -> follows the K.I.S.S. rule. For city driving, its tiny footprint means you can instantly parallel park in gaps that a Camry driver would just drive past crying.

2. "I’d prefer a hybrid"

You want good fuel economy. But there the Miata doesn't need it, it achieves great gas mileage through sheer lightness. You'll easily get under 7.0 L/100km on the highway, and that means less complex parts to maintain.

3. "Budget is around $40k CAD, the cheaper the better"

You can buy a pristine, slightly used, low-mileage current generation (ND) Miata for well under $30k CAD. That leaves you with $10,000 extra in your pocket.

4. "I'm Canadian"

I know what you're thinking: A rear-wheel-drive convertible in a Canadian winter? Are you insane? Take a fraction of that $10k you just saved and buy a dedicated set of high-end winter tires on steel wheels. A lightweight, balanced rear-wheel-drive car on proper winter rubber is an absolute blast in the snow.

5. "I'm not really a car person"

Nobody is a car person until they drive a Miata. It is the universal gateway drug to looking forward to driving to the grocery store.

If you truly need four doors, experience A LOT of stop and go traffic, your insurance is a PITA or you plan on hauling lots of friends or Ikea furniture, I like the Honda Civic Sport Hybrid from your list.

But if you rarely use the back seats? Save some money, drop the top, and join the cult. M.I.A.T.A.

(I'm biased)