Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz E200

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been one of the most desirable business sedan in the world. In South Africa, the E class enjoyed decent sales in the segment compared to its rivals over the years as it was one of the more preferred "business sedans" on offer but the previous model seemed to have lost that charm of which  Mercedes-Benz has been known for in the past. I was invited last year to sample the latest version of the E-Class, at thee launch, I went in with a lot of skepticism thinking that the same mistakes would’ve been repeated, but I was very wrong. I was blown away with the package that was in front of me and even though it was just a short driving trip you could tell Merc had done something special with his car, fast forward a year later I finally got to spend five days with the new E-Class to see exactly what they’ve done and why this echoes the return of the Mercedes-Benz of old.

DESIGN

The design of the new E-Class is stunning, the car just exudes elegance when you look at it. Merc got all the things right with this one, the lines, the details and the general look of it, I can only imagine how it must look on the road when I was driving past everyone. From the front end you are greeted by the large star-studded grille with the huge Mercedes-Benz logo being front and prominent, the grille actually illuminates at night which just adds so much more character to the front end. The headlights are fitted with digital LED lighting, which give a little dance every time the car is started. The design of the headlamps are synonymous to the kidney styled ones of the past but with a modern twist. Moving along to the profile of the car, the silhouette gives it that limousine look, and long wheel base versions of this car must be stunning to look at from the side but this model does look great too. The large 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels really enhance the cars stance but doesn't take away from the luxury look of it. The colour in which this particular car came in is called "Velvet Brown" and let me tell you, in the winters setting sun just looks so sophisticated, the way it shimmers in the dusk makes you think it's more than just an E-Class. Moving onto the rear of the car, some might feel the design of the tail lights are a bit gimmicky with the Star pattern but I think they look cool. Also the way the design is well rounded at the rear gives the E a very soft and subtle look from the back. The chrome accents at the boot lid are matched with the chrome twin faux tail pipes. The interior of the car is well designed, giving a good blend of ergonomics and luxury. 

PERFORMANCE

The E200 comes powered with a 2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol combustion engine that is assisted by an electric hybrid power plant which aids the ICE motor when required. While the engine provides 150kW of power, the electric motor adds an additional 17kW of power to it, giving the combined power output of 167kW. The torque factor comes in at 320Nm which plentiful to get this 1,800kg beast of the line. While the E200 isn't a full hybrid per-say, the common term now being used is "mild hybrid", kinda like the Nando's sauce which as a hint of peri-peri but not too much, it does play a massive role in not only the performance but the fuel economy too. The E-Class could not have come at a better time for me as I had a nice long distance trip planned for it first up, a return journey of about 750km and on the first leg going up country, the car performed brilliantly, the ride was superb and the changing of the gears in that 9G-Tronic transmission was like a symphony in action. The thing that struck me the most was the fuel economy, seeing that this is a big car, a 2-litre, 4 cylinder engine would feel the pressure when venturing up the twisty's of the KZN midlands, I imagined a lot of groaning from the motor and downshifts galore from the gearbox but nothing of the sort transpired. It was effortless and by the time I reached my destination, the fuel economy was sitting at a proud 7.3L per 100km, the return trip back to Durban gave even more impressive reading with an average of 6.1L per 100km! I clocked just over 800km on a single tank of 66-litres. 

COMFORT

Now we getting to the best part of the E-Class, the comfort, I mentioned that some of the newer cars that have rolled out the Mercedes-Benz factories lacked that defining factor that made Mercedes what it was. It was more than just a status symbol, it gave the ordinary man a chance to experience luxury at another level. While the line-up's expanded, the quality seemed to have dropped and I honestly was starting to lose hope in the brand, then this guy shows up and makes me re-consider my thinking. The essence of Merc is still not lost, it's just been kept away but I'm glad someone has found it and sprinkled it in abundance in this car. The interior is well laid out with a digital instrument cluster that gives you all relevant driving info that can be controlled from the multi-function steering wheel, it has a cool 3D button that you can toggle with the display giving you a multi-dimensional view of the various information. The centeral infotainment screen measures in at 14.4-inches, yes this thing is massive and its in high-resolution. The MBUX interface is easy to use and very fast. There's loads of menus and tools to go through in it, from sound options, to ambient lighting, to configuring driving modes and the lot. Of course the car comes with built-in mobile phone connectivity, for both Android and iOS, and there is even the AI assistant in which its ever ready to receive voice commands it can comply to. The car comes with quad zone climate control, seat heating for the driver and front passenger and both are electronically adjustable with 3 memory settings. The car came with a Burmester 3D sound system that came with 17-speakers that produces 730Watts and even had a 4D Sound experience with Dolby Digital. The quality of materials used the car were top notch, even the plastic wood grain felt like real wood! The luggage capacity measures in around 540L so plenty of space for long distance holiday trip. This particular car also came with the "super screen" extra, which is an additional 12.3 screen for the front passenger. This screen only activates when there is someone sitting in the seat. They have access to the usual MBUX menu but also can download games and video streaming apps for them to watch on, they are able to connect Bluetooth headphones to it so they can watch without disturbing the driver. 

VERDICT

There's a lot more that I can say about this car that blew me away but just the fact that it brought a big smile to my face every time I got behind the wheel is enough to know that it is more than just good. While there is a very apparent decline in sales locally for the brand, which has a lot to do with pricing and competition from the east, there is no denying that there is somethings that China can't come close to and that is proper German engineering at its best. The refinement in this E-Class is next-to-none, the sophistication in almost every aspect is a true indication of the lengths the engineers went looking for perfection and achieved it. While some might say this isn't their cup of tea, this isn't tea to begin with, its Glühwein. With the E53 AMG Edition one confirmed to be heading to the country this week in limited numbers, that would probably be the Jagermeister. I kid, but take it from someone who was doubting the brand and its relevance in the motoring segment of recent, these guys still got what it takes to make a proper car and if this E-Class is anything to go by, Mercedes-Benz is going nowhere. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol
Gear Box	9 G Tronic Automatic
Torque	320Nm
Power	150kW+17kW electric boost
0-100km/h	7.5 seconds
Price	R1,190,087

 

Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Cross HEV

Toyota's assembly plant in Durban's south basin has been a key economic catalyst for the city since its opening in the 1970's, it saw a number of prominent models roll off the production line, most notably the popular medium sized family sedan, the Corolla. Toyota SA invested millions in upgrading the plant over the past decade to accommodate newer models, and even different drive trains, the big change so the Corolla sedan and hatch end its production here and the new Corolla Cross SUV take over the lines. After a brief setback due to the flooding of the area in 2022 the plant reopened again and continued to push out the Corolla Cross models in great numbers, for local and export purposes. This year saw the much loved model get a significant face-lift and a change in name for its hybrid model, which now is badged as HEV. There is also some new colours offered for the model and I got to spend some time with the HEV in one of the striking new colours, here I my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

The overall chassis design remains the same for the Corolla Cross with key changes made to the front grille which now has a solid panel colour coded as the body with perforations in circular shapes for air intake. It makes the car look futuristic and gives off an EV vibe to it. The front headlights also received a design change with an integrated bar which runs along the bonnet line linking the two. The Toyota badge is more pronounced and in the HEV model which I had, the badge has a blue hue to it so you know its a hybrid model. The rest of the outer body remains relatively the same with minor changes to the tail lights. Two new colours are featured in the choices, which are Oxide Bronze and the more striking Desert Gold which was what I had. It really is a striking colour and when the sun hits it at the right angles, it gives off a lovely shimmer. The interior design has subtle changes but nothing that is too eye catching from the previous model. 

PERFORMANCE

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is equipped with a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 90 kW. Pure petrol engine churns out 72kW with 142Nm of torque. While acceleration is adequate for city driving, the vehicle can feel underpowered during overtaking maneuvers or uphill climbs, where the continuously variable transmission (CVT) may cause the engine to become noticeably noisy. ​The ever annoying grown of a CVT engine would never be one that I would get used to but the Corolla Cross HEV can be forgiven because its main focus isn't power, its fuel economy and that is where this car really shines. In real-world conditions, the Corolla Cross Hybrid demonstrates impressive fuel efficiency, averaging around 5.4 L/100 km. This figure is slightly higher than Toyota's claimed average of 4.3 L/100 km but still represents a significant improvement over the non-hybrid variant. ​Having done quite a bit of mixed driving with the car, I was still able to get an impressive 750km from the 36-litre petrol tank. 

COMFORT

As mentioned earlier in the article, there isn't much changes to the interior Corolla Cross Hybrid, it is designed with practicality in mind. While the dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, it lacks the modern aesthetics found in some competitors. Having the XR model meant a higher trim level which included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and premium materials, including real stitching on the instrument panel. ​The 10-inch infotainment screen remains the same along with the same UI as before, this for me remains an annoyance since it feels rather outdated, in saying that it does support wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto so the screen is projecting this most of the time. Toyota have finally upgraded the USB port to a USB C and it includes a wireless charging tray for mobile phones.  The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers ample cargo space, with a generous boot that can accommodate large and bulky items. However, the rear seats do not fold completely flat, which may limit the loading of certain items. Rear passenger space is adequate, though taller occupants may find headroom slightly restricted. ​

VERDICT

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid stands out as a reliable and efficient choice in the compact SUV segment. Its combination of fuel economy, practicality, and Toyota's reputation for durability make it a compelling option for urban drivers. While it may not offer the most exhilarating performance or cutting-edge interior design, it delivers where it counts for everyday use. In the South African market, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is priced competitively, with the XS HEV starting at R494,400 and the XR HEV at R545,200. All models come with a 6-services/90,000 km service plan and a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, while hybrid models include an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery. ​

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.8l Petrol Hybrid
Gear Box	CVT Automatic
Torque	142Nm
Power	72kW
Avg Fuel Economy	4.7L per 100km
Price	R494,400*  base model

Bucket Scene: BOOMTOWN Presented by Johnnie Walker Blonde

 

The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the return of the country’s most anticipated annual horse racing event of the year. Today, organizers of the renowned lifestyle BOOMTOWN experience together with iconic partner Johnnie Walker Blonde are thrilled to announce the official opening of ticket sales

BOOMTOWN, synonymous with unparalleled hospitality, is set to deliver yet another unforgettable experience. Renowned for its world-class sound, spectacular lighting, and electrifying live performances from the hottest artists in the country, this year promises to surpass all expectations!

Scheduled to take place at home of the Durban July, Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 6th July 2024, BOOMTOWN will once again play host to a dazzling array of South Africa's biggest names in entertainment, sports and business.

Year after year, this event has solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of July weekend festivities, drawing discerning enthusiasts of horse racing, fashion, and music. With its opulent tiered hospitality decks, plush lounges and captivating experiential activation's, BOOMTOWN remains the ultimate destination for luminaries from the realms of entertainment, sports, and business.

"BOOMTOWN presented by Johnnie Walker Blonde epitomizes the celebration of life. This year marks our 14th year and we have prided ourselves throughout the past decade on crafting an unparalleled hospitality experience for our esteemed guests. From world-class entertainment to seamless betting stations, an extensive selection of gourmet cuisine, and fully stocked bars, our diverse hospitality packages ensure that every attendee feels like a VIP" stated event organizer Stuart Scott. He continued, ”Over the next few days we will be finalizing our carefully curated lineup, featuring some of SA’s finest talent to keep our guests entertained throughout the day," 

Limited tickets for this highly coveted lifestyle experience are available for purchase at Ticketpro. Act fast to secure your spot, as limited Phase One (Early bird) tickets start at R650

Bucket Seat: KIA GOTG Campaign

Kia South Africa this week launches a unique ‘Test Drive for Good’ campaign in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, inviting all residents in the province to help raise funds for acclaimed Pietermaritzburg-based humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers. Open to all residents in the province, Kia South Africa - with its 12-strong dealer network in the province - is committing a donation of R100 to Gift of the Givers for every test drive completed over the Heritage Day weekend in September. 

“The Kia brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary in South Africa this year and has had a presence in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province right from the beginning,” comments Gary Scott, CEO, Kia South Africa. “As we celebrate the success of the brand over this period, we want to give back to the communities we serve and, in the spirit of our brand slogan Movement that inspires, Kia wants to partner with the residents of the province – whether they are Kia owners or not – to achieve this goal by blending a brand experience with collaborative fundraising in a fun and highly relevant, localised manner.” 

Kia South Africa is a long-standing supporter of Gift of the Givers, individually and as part of Motus Holdings. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Motus Holdings donated four vehicles to further aid the life-saving work Gift of the Givers do. In March 2021, Kia also donated a Sportage 2.0 CRDi EX AWD to the organisation, used primarily by Dr. Sooliman as he travelled across South Africa on various humanitarian missions in execution of the organisation’s mandate.

“As South Africans doing business with South Africans in South Africa, it is critical to us that the Kia brand is trusted and loved by all South Africans,” adds Scott. “Our desire to facilitate change while providing mobility resonates with Gift of the Givers’ position of providing assistance unconditionally and assisting the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation or geographic location.”

The ‘Test Drive for Good’ campaign follows a donation of R100,000 to the organisation at the beginning of September. The donation was presented to Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman during Kia South Africa’s 2023 Kia Leadership Conference, where Dr. Sooliman delivered a message of hope and resilience to the 120-plus audience. Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest indigenous disaster response NGO (non-governmental organisation) on the African continent, with the essence of its presence being to bring hope and restore dignity to the most vulnerable. Its primary focus is on disaster response, hunger alleviation, water provision, healthcare, education and social upliftment. 

Kia has 12 dealerships in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, specifically in Newcastle, Vryheid, Empangeni, Ballito, uMhlanga, Durban Central, Springfield, Amanzimtoti, Port Shepstone, Pinetown, Hillcrest and Pietermaritzburg. All of these dealers, with the exception of Kia Durban Central, will be open throughout the Heritage Day weekend, and collectively have the ambitious target of completing at least 3,000 test drives between Friday, September 22nd, and Monday, September 25th. With weather and other elements coming into play, KIA South Africa have decided to extend this campaign to this weekend, between Friday 29th September till and including Monday 2nd October! 

“We believe that our exclusive partnership with Gift of the Givers, itself a Kwa-Zulu Natal-based organisation, will ensure that all funds raised through the campaign are utilised to the direct benefit of the province’s residents,” adds Scott. “It’s as simple as completing a test drive of any Kia model at any Kwa-Zulu Natal Kia dealership, a simple act that guarantees a donation of R100 to Gift of the Givers by Kia. Let’s unite this Heritage Day weekend and collectively create a movement that changes an immeasurable number of lives for the better.” 

For more information, visit Test Drive For Good

Bucket Seat: VW Golf 8 R

It is probably the most anticipated car in the country, could be the last ever Golf R, a badge which took over the monarch from the much famed Golf Mark V R32 when the Mark 6 hit the market. The Golf R rose to fame properly in the outgoing  Mark 7 and 7.5 where it had cult status on the roads and the underground drag racing scenes so when VW revealed the 8 R, many couldn't wait to see what their favourite OEM had to offer in their latest iteration of the hot hatch. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors included the global microchip shortage and Covid, the arrival of the car onto local shores was delayed by over 2 years! It's official launch locally took place in April this year and still to this day there are few and far to be seen on the roads. I had the opportunity to spend time with the car last month to see how VW  have improved the model from the last one and what the big fuss over the car was. As someone who isn't the biggest fan of the Golf models, I was going in with an open mind as it has been one of their best selling models, and has developed a cult status in the city of my birth so it was only fair for me to give it some respect. 

DESIGN

With VWSA only opting to bring two models of the Golf 8 to the country, namely their performance models in the GTI and the R, the styling of the R follows the same sporty cues as the GTI with a low stance, large rims, sleek body kit and large front difuser. Unlike the GTI, the R's grill is a full air-intake with no fancy LED fog lamps. The front headlamps feature VW's new iQ LED lighting house in the winged shape housing which has a solid LED light that runs across the front end joined in the middle by the VW emblem. The profile of the car features a sill that flairs at the rear passenger door to give it that aerodynamic sporty look. The side mirrors are finished in brush aluminium and the rear has the quad tail pipes as quite a prominent feature. The model I had didn't come with the optional extra Akropovic pipes but still looked the part. There is no mistaking this is an R, with badges all around the car and on the brake calipers, it's hard not too. The Golf 8 R comes fitted with 19-inch Estoril diamond cut 5-spoke alloy wheels which are wrapped around Goodyear 235/35 rubbers. The interior of the Golf R is almost a carbon copy of the GTI's with a few colour modifications and badges to suit the R. I'm a big fan of the racing bucket seats which are covered in leather had have the R badge stitched in, definitely looks the part. Overall the 8 R is a stunning looking car and definitely has people turning their heads to get a better look everywhere I went. 

PERFORMANCE

Well, given the reputation it's predecessor had, VW had to up the anti with this one and with the group announcing that the 8 generation of the model being the last one with an internal combustion engine, it would be the cars swansong and it they have to end it on the right note. While there is a face-lift planned for late next year and I'm sure a few special edition models to come, this launch edition packs quite a heavy punch with its 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder TSI motor, giving a total power output of 235kW and a torque reading of 400Nm, all that power controlled by their famed 7-speed DSG gearbox is enough to put a smile on any drivers face when behind the wheel of the car. With the various driving modes, the car can turn from a hot hatch ready to take on the fastest in the streets in R model to a comfortable cruising family car in Eco mode and first up on my list was a long distance test with it, completing a 550km journey I averaged just 8.5L/100km, which is not that far off from the 7.8L claimed on their brochure that is normally tested in ideal conditions. The car can get extremely thirsty when switched into Race mode as I soon found out after refueling the car and spinning around on the weekend with it, from giving me close to 600km on the first tank, I was battling to reach 300km with the second, did I mind it? Of course not! Having done the long distance fuel economy run on the first day, it was time to enjoy this car they way it was meant to be enjoyed! Thrusting down the straights, flinging it through the bends, testing out that 4Motion technology and seeing if it is as adaptive as the Quattro from its sister company. It definitely is a fun sports car and while its center of gravity might not be that low, it still gives the driver a good feel for the road and handles like a champion. The fast changing DSG box helps on most occasions but when you feeling racey, I'd suggest you give the paddle shift a go, limiting this bad boy in to the red lines provides some extra excitement to your driving experience. 

COMFORT

Being a sporty hatch back, you wouldn't expect this car to give you the same level of comfort as a sedan or normal hatch would but truth be told, even with the bucket styled sport seats, the Golf 8 R is pretty damn comfy and it has seat heating for those cold winter days, with steering wheel heating to go along with it! The suspension is stiff but adaptive when in Eco mode to provide you with some level of softness despite the large rims and low profile tyres. I even took the 8 R on some short gravel roads, which it managed quite well at low speeds. The multi-function steering wheel also features the haptic touch sensitive buttons like the GTI, which takes some getting used to when you first use them but you get the hang of it after a while, where I don't like them is on the sunroof controls which become an issue when you're trying to operate it when driving, trying to tilt the roof? You have to get your finger in the exact center to get this right so rather just wait till you at a complete standstill before doing that. The Golf 8 R comes with the same 8.25-inch infotainment touch screen which UI is pretty easy to you but with App-Connect and wireless mobile apps such as Android Auto and Car Play, you very rarely find your self accessing the cars menu other than to check values, using the radio or resetting that damn tyre pressure monitor! Coming back to the seats, I like the band of suede which I presume is colour coded to the cars exterior paint work, the model I had was in Lapiz Blue so the band around the front two seats were blue, I could be wrong and the blue is standard across all cars but it does give the interior a nice contrast from all the black. As far as the new gear selector goes, still not won over it, while I know most of the brands in the greater VW group are opting for these, I still miss the old style gear "knob". 

VERDICT

While the Golf 8R does feel much more mature and sophisticated, there is an animal waiting to be unleashed in that engine and when you let it out, it brings about tonnes of fun. Seeing there they are few and far to be found, I took the car to some VW purists who live and breathe the brand. I honestly though they would be disappointed seeing that not much mods can be done to the car and the high price tag but after going for a few short sprints, they were very much pleased with what the car offered. Most of the cosmetic mods VW had as standard already, so there was no need for them to go out and get large carbon paddles for the gears, or line the car interior with ambient lighting because that was catered for too. Down pipe? Who needs that when VW have Akropovic as an optional extra. No need to change the headlights because you're not getting better that the IQ Matrix LED lights which are based of Audi's technology and being a Durbanite, that Harman Kardon sound system bangs so you can forget about buying that biryani pot sized subwoofer for it. Everything about this car was well thought of when designing, so that it could be the perfect farewell to what is an extremely loved model from the brand. It really changed my perception on the car and what it means to many, while the car is still in high demand and selling for some eye brow raising prices on the second hand market, for the fans, its a winner. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TSI
Gear Box	7-speed automatic DSG
Torque	400Nm
Power	235W
0-100km/h	4.8 seconds
Price	R918,200*

*base price

 

Bucket Seat: Toyota GR86

When building a great sports car, one of the fundamentals behind the design is to give the car perfect balance. Some would argue that power is all that matters but without balance, you're not going to be able to do those high speeds or do it comfortably. When Toyota first launched the 86 coupe, it was brought in as an affordable sports coupe for the purist, powered by a 2.0L Subaru sourced 4cylinder Boxer engine. It wasn't the fastest but with its design and low center of gravity, it proved to be quite a hit with many purely coming back to the fact that they managed to obtain a perfect balance and feel with the car. I got the opportunity to spend a week with the second generation 86 coupe which now dons the Gazoo Racing badge to see if they've managed to keep that balance and feel, along with a little bit more oomph from that new engine. 

DESIGN

The team at Subaru and Toyota again joined forces to produce a new look to the 86, while keeping the shape generally the same, the car has grown in length and width. The front styling is more distinctly Toyota with the rear very Subaru. The design is sleep with the front end having larger front headlamps with LED tech and day time running lights. The hood is more slanted and has a big gaping grille to allow for cooling to the engine bay. There is two angular air scoops with a black border that's directed at the front wheels for brake cooling with a matching air outlet behind the wheel arch, while these are functional, they add a very sporty look to the car. Certain angles when looking at the 86, it gives off Porsche Cayman vibes which isn't a bad thing if you ask me. The rear end is also very neatly designed with various height changes coming down from the back winds shield that tapers onto the boot lid, a nice little scoop style spoiler wraps around the curved edge with a solid black line that runs across the width and ties into the rear lights which have LED inserts for the indicators. The bottom diffusor is blacked out with twin round tailpipes on either end and like the previous generation 86, it features reflectors at the center. 18-inch 10-spoke blacked out rims adorned the GR86 which provides a great contrast to the bright red colour it is. The interior almost looks like a carbon copy of the old until you start inspecting it closely, you'll find that the design is actually better with a larger tub and great use of materials and textures adding to the sporty look. 

PERFORMANCE

The new GR86 is powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated boxer engine from Subaru that generates 174kW and 250Nm of peak torque, all which is fused to a 6-speed manual short shifting gearbox that will have you grinning like Eskom just announced no load shedding over the long weekend. Look, I can't guarantee you the no load shedding part but this car will bring you tonnes of enjoyment. When I was talking about balance in the start of this review, getting behind the wheel of the GR86 will tell you all you need to know about it, it's effortless in steering which is perfect as your one hand will be on the gear knob and the other maneuvering the wheel around the bends. Yes! That is just how good this car is, I very rarely found myself having the need to be ten-to-two with it because of its sporty nature and high torque, when going at it around the twisty's this car just comes into its element. Toyota's catch phrase for it is "born to perform" and my word does it live up to it. The D4-S dual injection engine allows for more aggressive throttle performance which gives it a grunt of note. It's quick off the mark and picks up speed on the straight well, it's top end speed isn't the greatest but as I found when driving the car, straight roads isn't it's play ground, throw some bends in and it will be leaving the competition in it's dust. 

COMFORT

It's a sports car, so its not meant to be comfortable, it's low to the ground which means getting in and out can be tricky for someone like me but you know what, i didn't care one bit. The sport seats are nice though, snug fit with extra padding means you and the front passenger have a nice comfortable chair to be in, to make it more fancy, they threw in two setting seat warmers! The dash is well laid out, lots of plastic used, I presume for weight saving purposes, while it is good quality plastic, I feel that could have changed things up with the introduction of some suede here and there. There's a large touch screen infotainment display that has built-in mobile apps that is only accessible via USB, this is located in the large center storage compartment. There's dual zone climate control which is controlled by the three dials below the screen, these have built-in LCD's that display the temperature and fan speeds. The flick switch type controls below are for the other AC controls such as demister and aircon modes. The three pedals and finished off in machined steel with large holes to complete the racing car look. The GR badge is prominent on the bottom of the wheel with multi-function controls for radio and telephone. The instrument cluster is digital with the rev counter large and in center to give you that ultimate Adrenalin boost when revving this bad boy up. The rear seats, if I could call them that isn't design for human seating if I'm being honest, apart form the space being really limited, it's not really comfortable as the front seats. It's better used for additional storage should the boot not be big enough. The back rests do drop to extend the luggage hold. While the boot is shallow, with the seats dropped I did manage to get two sets of golf clubs in there. 

VERDICT

I love this car, while many may dub is as a baby Supra I think that is doing an injustice to it. The GR86 has its own character and appeal. The amount of fun this car can bring you as a motoring purist is unparamount. I think due to it being a fiesty little sports car with brilliant handling, it gives you the type of exciting driving that you don't need to being going extremely fast. The near perfect weight distribution is adds to the thrill of the balance, the design of the car is sculpted for speed and with the GR badge added to the mix, it's got heritage behind it. While Subaru opted not to bring in their version of the car to our shores, I can understand why, with the Toyota badge on it along with the Gazoo Racing backing, this model would be the clear winner in sales. I don't know what else to tell you about this car but I'll tell you this, the night before I was handing it back, I just got off my couch at 8pm and decided to take a 60km drive up the North coast in Durban, just to make sure I got one last good joy ride out of it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.4L flat-four petrol boxer engine
Gear Box	6-speed manual
Torque	250Nm
Power	174W
0-100km/h	6.4 seconds
Price	R733,500*

*base price