In reply to CrashDummy :
As much as I would LOVE to recommend an ATS-V, I'm not sure about the rear seat space. I own a 2.0t/6-speed and, at 6'3", there is barely enough space for someone behind me. Comfortable for short drives only kind of thing. Granted I have zero experience with any kind of kiddie seat so you may have to try and find one to test fit with.
If a GTI is too small, the Passat / Arteon gets you the same underpinnings with a longer wheelbase
My best advice would be to try things out for a little bit with the MS3 to see if it'll work. I know that won't be the long-term solution, but it might give you insight into what's important to you. There was a time when I was happily driving my kids around in my '01 Mustang GT. And then it reached a point when they simply wouldn't fit anymore, and it took the fun out of it. Then I was much happier carting them around in our '06 Rav4, because the extra space made the trips much more enjoyable. And if we're all together (4 kids + 2 adults), I try to take the minivan, because that very spacious 3rd row gives us the best chance for a peaceful car ride, which is what I care most about at this point.
I've employed some creative solutions for car seats over the years. I've had them in my '92 Mustang GT, 2 on the front bench of my '94 K1500 (regular cab), in my E36 328is (coupe), and most recently in my '01 Mustang GT. All were generally compromises that worked because my wife rarely rode in those cars, and if she did, it was pretty much never with kids. In some cases a coupe will give you better access to the carseats than a 4 door will, because of the huge front doors.
It's also cheaper to get a smaller carseat than it is to change vehicles over it. Our non-infant carseats were huge (Britax Marathons), but they were also the reason we always had an SUV and/or minivan that were our primary kid haulers.
The nicest Mazda 5 you can find? I know the last ones were made in 2018 with the configuration but what about a manual Forester with a set of springs?
You said Chevy SS, on that note what about a Charger scat pack? 6.4l, brembos, and depending on the trim bigger brembos and adaptive suspension. I know it won't have the manual option, but a nice cruiser with space that won't bore you to death. You can get a nice one for about $40k.
Another vote for the Elantra N. At 6'2" I am quite comfortable sitting behind the drivers seat when its adjusted for me.
A key point about rear room in these is that the back of the front seats are aggressively scalloped for more rear knee room. Depending on the angle and height of your child seat this may work in your favor.
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