the T5 is slightly slower than the st and it does not handle as well, for all they have the sport chassis but they are still alot softer than the st and smaller brakes . But you can whack any ST suspension or mazda 3 (inc MPS) suspension mods on as they are all cross compatible (mine is running a focus anti roll bar). Not unusual for the c30s in america to have mazda3 coilovers, as mazda 3 mps (speed3)'s are pretty popular.
your looking for either an r-design or an SE sport, the rest have the povery body kit, the se sports they are two tone, the r-design are all the same colour. there are alot of power mods for the t5 seams quite easy to get it to about 290bhp (225 standard)
ive got the r design and the seats are pain , the cream leather is soo hard to keep clean (especially working ina garage, cant use seat covers as they keep bursting because the seats are soo huge)