How about a Grumman AA5-B
Thats a nice 4 seater with a 180hp up front. Burns about 40lph cruises about 115-120kts.
I have flown various PA28's and 172's.
The AA5-B is not as big as a PA28 inside, but it is lighter and faster with a bout the same fuel burn. It has a great canopy that gives a cracking view and look out. It glides well and I personally think it is one of my favorite aircraft to land.
The only bad thing is the nose wheel looks a bit flimsy and probably is compared to a 172 or PA28. But hey thats OK beacuase we all do lovely soft landings on our main gear don't we. I don't rate the brakes very much either. If you brake to hard they lock on then Mr Screwdriver and pliers is, plus an awkard upsidedown attitude in the left hand seat is required to free them up.
As much as i like it i still would rather have a PA32 300