The motor in the SRT-4 is built like a brick shithouse. If you can tolerate the interior and exterior design, as well as a less sophisticated suspension, then it's a hell of a bargain.
Otherwise, I'd plug the RSX Type S, the Scion tC (although it's a little less sporting), Mazda3. All of these are slower than the SRT-4, but are more refined in design and execution IMO.
I'm assuming your brother's only interested in new cars that are just beginning their model run... if used cars are an option, then the $19k needed to buy a Celica GTS or SRT-4 can go quite a bit further.
My 2.4¥