Now I know someone else has already done this but since I've actually drive one now I can comment on it. I just happened to be passing the dealership and went in for a look. Asked if it can use a roofrack and with a bemused look the salesman went off to find out. There's nothing on the system but there's channels there so I've no doubt Thule will have something that works. Seats fold properly flat even in my driving position. That's something not even the Fabia does.

The car I've seen plenty of times. One passes me every morning going to work and I first saw it at Goodwood. Was offered a test drive so took it. First impressions were very good. I got comfortable almost instantly and the seating position is perfect. On this one all the options were ticked. Bluetooth and cruise are standard but had satnav, hated leather seats, etc. Best driving position I've ever had with nothing aching when I got out.

The route involved some dual carriageways and fast stretches between roundabouts. First stretch I came to I buried it in 2nd and once past 4000rpm it revved well and got up to speed quickly. They say it's 197bhp but felt about the same as my vRS with 180bhp. How anyone can say this car is slow amazes me. I'm guessing this is down to our lazy culture of relying to turbos but it felt plenty fast enough to me and at least as quick as the vRS if not a bit more.

Gearbox has a short throw between gears, very accurate and a satisfying click to each change. It's a doddle to heel and toe in it and sounds good when you do it. It's got that classic Subaru burble at low rpm but sounds good when revved up. Got to the first roundabout and I had to get used to putting a touch of throttle on to turn the car. Salesman told me to give it some and I did. Back started to come round, TSC intervened but all felt controllable and I was ready to catch it. There's also loads of grip too. Anyone who says there isn't is talking out of their arse. Roads were dry and I had no problems even at "motorway speeds" on a long right hand bend it just gripped and went. It feels great in the hands too. Light at TDC but good weight when turned in and the faster you go the more confidence it gives you. People have said it's gutless low down but I wouldn't say so. Sure lots of the torque is higher up but it's more than good enough. Sometimes it takes me a while to get comfortable with a car but this was almost instant. I've driven RWD before but nothing as nice as this. Almost felt like it was swiveling round your hips.

I'd recommend one to anyone wanting a car that's enjoyable to drive and feels great when you hit that apex spot on, heel-toe perfectly and nail it to the next corner. It's epic fun. Would I swap this for my vRS? If I had the money to I probably would. As a drivers car it just felt right. Last car I drove like this was the Clio 200 and while not RWD did release my inner hooligan and I'm still smiling about it now. This isn't really comparable to any hot hatch and it's a sports car but feels better than 90% of the ones I've ever driven.

As a fun car for road speeds I have to agree. They are a good product and unlike most other things out there having a NA front engine with RWD in a car at (what many people call) a sensible price.

I also have a soft spot for boxer engines.

I liked the engine. As you say for road speeds it's perfect and it's fun at that speed is what I'd be after. I think there was enough grunt low down. No one ever drives a super mini round town at town speeds and thinks it's dangerously slow. Did feel quality inside. Done a bit of digging and you can get roof bars for it. Once I buy a house and settle down then this will definitely be on the list. Litchfield are already doing kits for them so it's got plenty of potential.

Spotted a white one near here the other day with the registration GGG 6T

george

Yeah I have to agree with you on most points. It has a great driving position and I loved the box as well (see my effort below). I am not sure about ultimate grip as I was not allowed to turn the traction control off but I did manage to make the light blink on a few roundabouts.

I do stick to my guns though about the engine's lack of low down grunt. As you say it picks up around 4000 but below that feels pretty lifeless. I found you needed about 5000rpm for it to feel properly fast and the redline is at 7700 from what I remember.I think you are probably right that people have got used to turbo torque and that people who have got used to turbo diesels especially have grown lazy. I have not got this kind of money for one at the moment but my biggest dilemma would be to buy one of these or the best value and fastest practical fwd hatch (in my opinion) which is the Focus ST which starts at £21K and has 250 bhp and loads more torque. However you just cannot beat the balance of a rwd can you.

Nice review Martyn, spotted a few of these out on the road now.

Wasn't a fan of the looks in the brochures but seeing it in the flesh its looks fantastic.

Passed a few on the roads now. I know some aren't keen on the looks but the more i see it the better it is and I've never disliked how it looked. It's been almost 2 weeks now and I still think about it and how satisfying it felt to drive. Would like a longer test drive if I was serious about getting one but this won't be for a few years now. Prices are coming down all the time and in 3 years these will still have 2 years of warranty left. It will be a very tempting option

Saw a truck full going up north to Scotland on Friday

I like the looks and I hope they keep the concept simple. I hear talk about turbos ans superchargers and big bodykits but that will spoil the concept of a cheap(ish) back to basics car. I would like one in the garage but I would have to have a torquey Turbo petrol or Diesel for everyday use. I don't know what depreciation will be like on them. Toyota dealer told me he has only been allocated 10 for the year and they had all gone so Toyota must be restricting supply or can't make them fast enough.

Nice little review that. Keep meaning to pop into the local Toyota shop for a closer look and a trip round the block.

A '12 plate with 6k on the clock that could be had probably for £20k sounds a bit more like it: http://goo.gl/qMPMG

Yeah it's even more reasonably priced now. and taken the initial hit. It's a slightly used one of these or a slightly used and probably a bit more 3dr Golf GTI. I'd have the GT86 every time. I've always said if you want a 3 door because you rarely carry passengers you may as well get a two seater. The 86 pretty much is but seats fold perfectly flat and I'd do this if I had one.

Good write up, GT86 is one of my favourite cars ever