People are complaining about the power and I can't see why.

I have been driving around with 90bhp/ton and overtaking things nicely. Infact it's a bit of a challenge whereby you anticipate the road, drop back and start accelerating before the overtaking point. Completely different approach and you something you don't get when you have 450bhp/ton.

Anyway, this car isn't about overtaking, it's about enjoying the road.

Actually, I have just read Nick's MX-5 post and agree with that!

 

indeed

I have been alternating between 75bhp and 300+ in recent days

the key thing when driving lower powered cars is to be more discerning in picking your moves and adapting your driving style

ie don't even attempt some overtakes and leave earlier in the morning...

unfortunately I see too may people attempt stupid moves in low powered cars that would be easy in a high powered model

the issue isn't a lack of power - it's poor decision-making and abysmal awareness

and I agree - what's enjoyable about overtaking??????? (on the road)

it's invariably a pita

the drives I like are when the roads are empty

 

That's it, in a nutsert.

You either tend to be stuck in a commutey-type crawl, where one cannot overtake even with 1,000BHP, or out in the back lanes where one can enjoy a few minutes' solitude before encountering a dawdler/drongo. 1,000BHP is worse than useless on a B-road too.

 

this is why, as you have found, lots of cars is the answer

and different cars suit different uses

it explains why so many hair-raising moves are carried out by people driving mobile skips like Zafiras and Warriors

fine for transporting sprogs and sand but not really suited for multiple overtakes or high speed lane changes

if people could just drive according to the conditions, their capabilities and that of their vehicle, accidents would plummet

owning one vehicle would really cheese me off

 

Indeed; it would me too.

It fugues nicely with the Audi R8 thread; why spend so much one one, compromised car, when one could have several choices?

 

Dropped into my local Toyota show room on Friday. Didn't drive one (yet) but had a good look round it and really liked the ideas behind it.

So I reckon 2014/2015 I'll be looking for a nicely depreciated version as ATR replacement.

First new cars in years I've been remotely interested in buying Let's hope it starts a trend from other manufacturers.

 

I had a test drive on Saturday and was very impressed with the way it felt. Great driving position, nice gear change (not quite as nice as the S though which was a little disappointing), but I felt the power delivery was quite S like - perhaps a little more torque at lower revs but not very much. Th ride/handling/steering were awesome though - I can see why all the journos are raving about it. Personally though, I don't think I could stomach the depreciation on a new one.

 

Toyota's finance is banking on the GFV being around £10.5k at 3 yrs/30k miles.

So I think I'll be more interested in a 3 yr old version to be honest. Say £14k, with 2 years manufacturers warranty left sounds like it will be a pretty nice deal.

 

The gearchange IS very notchy at first. I don't remember the S2000 version of the box being anywhere near as bad.

It is getting much more buttery and S2000-like as the miles go on. The engine is also getting less tractor-like too. The thing IS either all low-down torque or top-end. That's the price for fixed-lift valves & only valve-timing variation. Assuming the variators haven't stuck...

The driving position and suspension set-up is superb, though. Bodie & Doyle screeches on every roundabout are amusing at the moment.

It's also reasonably refined for everyday use. I'm coming to the conclusion that all engaging cars suffer slightly too much roadnoise, which is what gives them that 'feel'.

The idea of a 3YO for that dough (& a warranty-extend to 7years in all) makes a LOT of sense indeed.

 

I think it's great for you that a new car has come along that epitomises so many of the design qualities you admire. I'm very jealous ...