200 replies to this topic

[slindborg]

I imagine the press are all about head line figures and silly expectations of the type of car it is. Bet its like an N/A vx, grunty low down and when you want to it will fly.

[JG]

well exactly, 200hp 1250kg cars, ten years ago would have toped power to weight ratios in group tests. Its only because the fanboy journalist have had the chance to drive 300hp hatches that it is no longer 'fast enough' Frankly, on the road, everyday my 170hp Golf is too powerful. I virtually never use all the power.

[VXT Tim]

Must just be me but neither appeal at all, can't quite put my finger on what it is about them as by all accounts they are a hoot to drive. I thought Chris was joking in his opening post as all the motoring press appears to have been banging on about (for seemingly years) is these 2 cars.

[techieboy]

Bet its like an N/A vx, grunty low down and when you want to it will fly.

But it's doesn't actually have the grunt of the NA and what torque it does have is delivered at 6,000rpm. That's why I say it's short of 50ft/lbs. Especially given the fact it's 300kg+ heavier than a VX. It's fine if you're a journalist and happy to go everywhere at 6,000rpm plus and/or you're on a track but, in the real world, it's going to mean changing down two (or even three) gears to make for a reasonably swift overtake.

[hughcam]

I think its too slow depite what you lot think 0-60 is a silly bench mark but a rear wheel drive sporty car has obvious traction benefits off the line compared to a fwd hot hatch - That must mean its dog slow in gear. For example my Mk2.5 Mx5 was rated at 0-60 in 8.1 and felt like a glacier!

Edited by hughcam, 21 August 2012 - 12:58 PM.

[LazyDonkey]

Bet its like an N/A vx, grunty low down and when you want to it will fly.

But it's doesn't actually have the grunt of the NA and what torque it does have is delivered at 6,000rpm. That's why I say it's short of 50ft/lbs. Especially given the fact it's 300kg+ heavier than a VX. It's fine if you're a journalist and happy to go everywhere at 6,000rpm plus and/or you're on a track but, in the real world, it's going to mean changing down two (or even three) gears to make for a reasonably swift overtake.

I won't disagree but how often do you find yourself going for one of them on a daily basis. I drive a 1.8 primera most days and don't use all of the "power" that it has.

[hughcam]

I also feel (from seeing the pictures and reading the reviews only) that its about £5,000 to over priced. To the general public they will probably view it just like they did the Celica which also means uber depreciation (which doesnt matter if you plan to keep it 5 years> I suppose)

[LazyDonkey]

Have you looked at new car prices lately? What else can you get for £25k that's in the same league of interesting ?

[techieboy]

I won't disagree but how often do you find yourself going for one of them on a daily basis. I drive a 1.8 primera most days and don't use all of the "power" that it has.

I drive an Audi and it's never returned more than low-to-mid 20mpg's. So constantly.

[hughcam]

Have you looked at new car prices lately? What else can you get for £25k that's in the same league of interesting ?

clio 200, megane 265, elise cr, ginetta g40r. Some more, some less exciting - all great leisure cars

[VXT Tim]

Bet its like an N/A vx, grunty low down and when you want to it will fly.

. It's fine if you're a journalist and happy to go everywhere at 6,000rpm plus and/or you're on a track but, in the real world, it's going to mean changing down two (or even three) gears to make for a reasonably swift overtake.

That's pretty much put my finger on it.
Plus you'll look a right dick driving everywhere screaming at 6000rpm

[VXT Tim]

Have you looked at new car prices lately? What else can you get for £25k that's in the same league of interesting ?

clio 200, megane 265, elise cr, ginetta g40r. Some more, some less exciting - all great leisure cars

Focus RS

Edited by VXT Tim, 21 August 2012 - 01:11 PM.

[The Batman]

ginetta g40r

[slindborg]

I won't disagree but how often do you find yourself going for one of them on a daily basis. I drive a 1.8 primera most days and don't use all of the "power" that it has.

I drive an Audi and it's never returned more than low-to-mid 20mpg's. So constantly.

But isnt yours chav-mapped though

[JG]

and its a lot cheaper than a VX na was in 2001. A VX na in 2001 was £22,800 which is £32,000 now

[techieboy]

But isnt yours chav-mapped though

It improved with the remap. To think I chickened out of the V8 because I was scared about fuel consumption.

[slindborg]

But isnt yours chav-mapped though

It improved with the remap. To think I chickened out of the V8 because I was scared about fuel consumption.

Man maths says go and buy an RS4

[Graeme Lambert]

Bet its like an N/A vx, grunty low down and when you want to it will fly.

But it's doesn't actually have the grunt of the NA and what torque it does have is delivered at 6,000rpm. That's why I say it's short of 50ft/lbs. Especially given the fact it's 300kg+ heavier than a VX. It's fine if you're a journalist and happy to go everywhere at 6,000rpm plus and/or you're on a track but, in the real world, it's going to mean changing down two (or even three) gears to make for a reasonably swift overtake.

There's been a lot of criticism from within the press suggesting that cynically the GT86 is a car built for journalists.

[LazyDonkey]

Have you looked at new car prices lately? What else can you get for £25k that's in the same league of interesting ?

clio 200, megane 265, elise cr, ginetta g40r. Some more, some less exciting - all great leisure cars

Out of that list only the clio is on or below £25k and i'd say the "have to thrash the tits off it" comment can be equally be levelled at it. The megane may be a great hatch but for many (inc. me) it's not interesting.

The CR and G40 are good calls, but more expensive, more compromised and much much less dependable.

If i wanted to spend £25k on a fun but interesting everyday car the GT86 is one of the only cars on my short list - it covers a lot of bases that a hyper hatch never could.

EDIT : Take the example of my old man. He's a young 60 year old, he has to have a big five door estate for his 8 or 9 trips to france a year avec dog and a shed load of wine....but he wants a fun 2nd car for kicking about, going to the golf course and maybe also do france once in a while without resulting in a divorce.

The GT86 fills that role perfectly. He wouldn't even consider a hyper hatch, elise or G40. He can't be alone?

Edited by LazyDonkey, 21 August 2012 - 02:27 PM.

[Bumblebee]

ginetta g40r

I took a ginetta g40 on track that thing was amazing! went in a tuned up abarth but it was a big disappointment...for me anyway

Edited by Aimy, 21 August 2012 - 02:27 PM.