Articles by Chris Riley

If Mazda ever pulled the plug on the MX-5 there'd be a riot. Born over 20 years ago, the two-seat sports car is a fully fledged motoring icon that has almost universal appeal the go-to car for blokes in mid-life crisis. Mazda continues to refine the compact, front-engined, rear-drive concept, with a new look and subtle changes to the way the car drives but the fact remains the MX-5 is not exactly cheap motoring anymore.What's more, it is going to come under intense pressure from the likes of Toyota's new 86. Although the 86 is not available without a lid yet, the two cars share the same appeal but importantly the Toyota/Subaru is significantly cheaper.MX- comes two grades, Roadster Coupe and the Roadster Coupe Sports. It's available with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission, with prices starting at $47,280.The new MX-5 represents the second time the third generation model has been facelifed. A newly designed front bumper is designed to give the MX-5 a more aggressive look, with a larger, 47mm deeper front grille that offers a greater sense of depth. The corners of the front bumper flare out further, reducing the amount of air that strikes the front tires.Shaping of the outer edges along the front and the angles of the sides of the front fog lamp bezels has also reduced air resistance. The front license plate bracket is positioned entirely within the area of the front grille, creating a cleaner, more streamlined expression. Inside the trim has been changed from matte dark silver to a glossy dark grey to impart a depth of colour with shine, to create an ambience of higher quality and sportiness.Powered by the same 2.0-litre four cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 118kW of power at 7000 revs and 188Nm of torque at 5000 revs. Maximum power is available slightly lower in the rev range with the auto. The manual features a limited slip rear differential. Both models deliver claimed fuel economy of 8.1 litres/100km from the 50-litre tank using Premium 95 unleaded or better. Bose and Mazda worked together to develop a refined premium audio system exclusively for the MX-5. It uses seven speakers, digital sound processing and six equaliser channels. Almost every speaker is now addressed by an individual equaliser channel which allows very precise sound tuning.Mazda has sought to make the car more enjoyable to drive, with revised accelerator and brake characteristics. Improved brake and accelerator control characteristics deliver smooth transition from deceleration to acceleration, and a linear feel to the acceleration.Adjustment to the throttle management program in manual models makes the MX-5 more responsive when accelerating out of corners, while updates to the brake booster make it easier to control the front and rear load distribution improving braking ability all round.

Better than the Corolla in many ways and proof that the Koreans now do better Japanese cars than most Japanese makers. "It's a typical Hyundai. They get better every time a new one comes out of the box," Craig Duff said at the COTY judging If you like the current i30 you're going to love the new one. It does everything the old one does and more, with a quality, big car feel and more lavish interior. The new i30 is the first of Hyundai's new genre to move to a second generation and just like the first i30 the newcomer is a standout. It looks fresh and attractive, with the same flowing lines as the Elantra sedan, and a stylish new interior that is a huge step forward from its functional but rather plain predecessor. The i30 is Hyundai's biggest selling car and it competes in the mostly fiercely contested segment of the market. The restyled body brings it into line with the "fluidic'' design that characterises Hyundai's other offerings.  The front is sharper and more aggressive with a dominant hexagonal radiator grille, and those huge taillights have gone from the rear, replaced by a more contemporary horizontal design. Hyundai i30 Active petrol auto Price: from $20,990 Engine: 1.8-litre 16-valve variable-valve DOHC four-cylinder Transmission: six-speed automatic, front wheel drive Power: 110kW @ 6500rpm Torque: 178Nm @ 4700rpm Fuel use/emissions: 6.5 l/100km, tank 53 litres; 156g/km Brakes/safety systems: Driver and front passenger airbags, front seat side, driver’s knee, curtain airbags, stability control (Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control), rear parking sensors Dimensions: Length 4300mm, width 1780mm, height 1470mm, wheelbase 2650mm, cargo volume 378 litres, weight 1240kg Wheels/tyres: 16in steel wheels Win $5,000 in our People's Choice competition.  

A real family package with seven seats and a solid diesel engine for hauling. Helped ahead of the Hyundai Santa Fe by intensive local suspension tuning. "I keep coming back to value-for-money and I think it delivers. It's a well-sorted package," Karla Pincott said at the COTY judging.It is money well spent with Sorento remaining composed and controlled in a variety of conditions, soaking up the bumps and potholes whether it's on the dirt or bitumen.The entry level manual diesel is surprisingly fun to drive and even comes with dual zone climate air. The manual change is easy to use and will appeal to those wanting to tow a van or boat as it has a higher tow rating of 2.5 tonnes. The petrol V6 feels like a completely different car and has some real attitude. It is the quickest of the bunch, responds quickly and positively to the throttle, accelerating loudly and aggressively, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 8.2 seconds.Bigger brakes pull the car up faster. The old Sorento was good and this one is better again. The styling is sharper and it sits better on the road, with more equipment in most cases.Sitting 10mm lower than before subtle changes in design have produced a wider, more aggressive look, particularly through the use of vertical lighting elements.The redesign includes new head lights with LED daytime running lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lights, new bumpers front and back with vertical, rectangular shaped fog lights and less use of unpainted plastic trim around the lower part of the body as well as a greater range of wheels.Kia Sorento Si diesel autoPrice: from $38,990Engine: 2.2-litre turbodiesel direct-injection four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed automatic, four wheel drivePower: 145kW @ 3800rpmTorque: 436Nm @ 1800rpmFuel use/emissions: 7.3 l/100km, tank 64 litres; 192g/kmBrakes/safety systems: Driver and front passenger airbags, front seat side/thorax, curtain airbags, stability control (Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control), rear parking sensorsDimensions: Length 4685mm, width 1885mm, height 1700mm, wheelbase 2700mm, cargo volume 258/1047/2052 litres, weight 1648kgWheels/tyres: 17in alloy wheelsWin $5,000 in our People's Choice competition. 

I recommended the diesel to two friends and they love it, although one has since downsized because they don't have to cart the kids around anymore. They got a good price for it too when they sold it privately which is always a good indicator that it's a desirable vehicle.This is the third generation of the California-designed soft roader and remains true to the formula  a biggish, practical but well equipped all-wheel drive wagon with seven seats that doesn't cost the earth. Our test vehicle, the mid-range Elite, is priced from $45,990 which includes an auto.What a good looking bus. The previous one always looked a bit round and pudgy. This one on the other hand presents a sleeker, more sophisticated look. The two rear seats are among the biggest and best in the business. They can be used together or individually and can even accommodate adults at a pinch.Anyone who has ridden in the back of a 4WD or people mover knows it can become claustrophobic back there and that makes air conditioning so important. The car comes with front and rear air with third row air-conditioning vents standard across the range.The 2.2-litre turbo diesel is a gem. Producing 145kW of power and 436Nm of torque when paired with the auto (421Nm with the manual), it's nice and smooth, and delivers a generous mix of power and economy.The diesel is paired with Hyundai's in-house six-speed auto, with the facility to change gears manually if desired. Everything is really new apart from the engine and transmission.  It has been totally redesigned and sits on a new platform, with new suspension that has been tuned for Australian conditions.Dual flow dampers are fitted designed to deliver a smoother more comfortable ride in normal conditions, but provide a firmer, more dynamic response when required. The new electric steering system is speed sensitive, more accurate and quicker to respond, and the driver dial in the level of assistance required with three settings from which to choose.Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres/100km and it has a 64-litre tank giving it a theoretical range of 867km. We haven't needed to fill it yet, so we'll wait and see how close the figure is to the manufacturer's claims.Gets a full five stars for safety, with seven airbags as standard including a driver's knee bag to prevent the lower legs in an accident. It's equipped with electronic stability and traction control, along with Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC), a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.It's full of surprises. Leather and climate control air conditioning, push button start, electric brake  it's got it all. Like the way lights tucked under the exterior mirrors turn on automatically when you walk up to the car.Love the fact navigation is part of the deal too.  It's a big, bright easy to use touchscreen that tells you what the speed limit is and warns of any speed cameras in the area that you're travelling through  it even takes into account the traffic conditions when calculating the route.If Kia can do it why do other car makers find it so difficult to provide this simple service  every car should have this. The only thing missing that we would really like to see is a digital speedometer, or at least the option to display the car's speed digitally.It's so important with so many speed camera these days. For some reason the Koreans haven't cottoned on to this yet? Having said that the speedo is easy to read  so don't stress.The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of our long time favourites.

Not quite sure what to make of this car. It offers a startling level of performance in a body that is shall we say visually challenged.Quick off the mark and fast to accelerate it gives nothing away to the hatch in terms of performance. But it's too tall, too short and and too narrow with all the wrong proportions. But beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder don't let my opinion sway you.TECHNOLOGYIt's a 1.4-litre turbocharged four, the same engine as in the Polo GTI. That means it produces 132kW of power and a handy 250Nm of torque.The bad news is that it take 98 Premium unleaded - nothing else. The engine is hooked up to VW's 7-speed double clutch transmission with drive to the front wheels. Rides on sports suspension with 17 inch alloys.Rated at 6.2 litres/100km, we were getting 8.1 after more than 400km according to the trip computer. But remember that's using Premium 98 which is going to cost you another 17 cents a litre. Even though it's a 45 litre tank, at the time of writing that's $66 for a fill ouch.DESIGNThe Euro sportwagon concept is nothing new, but we haven't seen anything this small before now. Maybe it's the start of bigger things? The idea is sound but someone must have dropped the play dough before they popped this one in the oven because it's all out of whack.For two grand more than the hatch you get the same level of performance but a largish luggage space that is going to make it more pratical. It looks like the car it is, a cheapie that has been tarted up. The design is unimaginative and there is plenty of hard plastic in evidence.Glad to see a trip computer that includes a digital speedo but it disappeared after we connected a mobile phone and took ages to find again. Of course there's a trick to it, just as there is in switching between the AM and FM radio bands. Rear parking sensors are also standard.It looks like the car it is, a cheapie that has been tarted up.The design is unimaginative and there is plenty of hard plastic in evidence. Glad to see a trip computer that includes a digital speedo but it disappeared after we connected a mobile phone and took ages to find again. Of course there's a trick to it, just as there is in switching between the AM and FM radio bands. Rear parking sensors are also standard.SAFETYUnlike the Polo this one gets four stars for safety. But it comes with six airbags, electronic stability control and all the usual electronic safety aids.DRIVINGGoes like a startled rabbit. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds on to a top speed of 226km/h (2km/h faster than the hatch).Peformance is no doubt helped along by the 7-speed DSG box which rips through the gears in quick succession, with sport mode or manual mode available via the shifter or steering wheel mounted change paddles. Giving it too much throttle too soon almost always elicits some wheel spin.VERDICTGoes hard but looks yuck. We're not fans of the hatch either. At $29,990 it is one of the most expensive cars in the light car segment two grand more than the hatch and one grand more than the Polo GTI.

Turbo power is coming to the Kia range. And, after a test drive in the United States this week, it can't come soon enough.The car we drove was the stunning looking Optima, but instead of the usual 2.4-litre engine this one was fitted with a more powerful, 2.0-litre turbocharged motor. It pumps out just over 200kW of power and is much more satisfying to drive, with considerably more torque that kicks in much earlier in the rev range.The figures tell the story - 250Nm at 4250 versus 365Nm at a low 1750 revs. Made only in left hand drive until now, Kia has managed to overcome the engineering impediments to building a right-hand drive version which is starting to roll off the production line as we speak. Optima is due for an upgrade shortly, so the timing couldn't be better.CONFIRMEDAlthough he confirmed the company was looking at turbocharged engines - and had been interested for a long time - a spokesman for Kia explained it had a number of options - not just the Optima. One of those is a turbocharged version of the cool, two-door Cerato Koop (Cerato is called Forte in the States where it is Kia's most successful model).A new Cerato starts to roll out in Australia from early in the new year, kicking off with the sedan, then the hatchback and finally the coupe.THE KOOPThe spokesman said the 150kW turbocharged engine from the Hyundai Veloster would slot straight into the Koop. By way of explanation Kia is owned by Hyundai and the two share much of their architecture. But before giving either option the green light, Kia would first have to put together a business case for approval by head office in Korea.“It's not my decision but if asked the question I'd have to look at what is best suited to our market,” he said. He added there would be no need to have a naturally aspirated variant as well as a turbo. “It (a turbocharged Koop) may not be a best seller but it would create important interest for our brand,” he said.THE SEDANNo one has seen the new Koop as yet -- it won't make its debut until later next year - but the sedan showed its face this week at the Los Angeles motor show. The Kia equivalent to the Hyundai Elantra, it is cast in the same mould as the Optima, with sleek sporty lines and the signature Schreyer face.Longer, lower and wider, the second-generation Cerato is 30mm longer (4560mm), 14.0, 15.0 or 16.5mm lower (1435, 1445, or 1460mm) depending on market and 5mm wider (1780mm), with the wheelbase extended by 50mm (2700mm) making it the longest in class. It will be hooked up to Kia's six-speed auto, which delivers an ideal combination of power and economy.NEW FEATURESThe hydraulic steering has been replaced with adjustable electric steering that allows the driver to set the level of assistance. Other options include stop and go which shuts down the engine at traffic lights, as well as heated and cooled seats, a hated steering wheel and satellite radio - we certainly won't be getting the latter at this stage.New Cerato can accelerate to 100 km/h in as little as 8.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 210 km/h while using a claimed 6.5 litres of fuel per 100km – depending of course on model. Boot capacity is increased to 421 litres (SAE) – the largest in class. Kia Australia has just about finished tuning the ride and handling to meet Aussie tastes, a feature sought after by customers.GT POSSIBLEAnother turbo option is the gorgeous Pro_c'eed GT hatch from Europe, a highly spec'd model that also comes with a turbocharged power plant. As to the introduction of an entire line of sporty vehicles, much the same as Hyundia's recently announced SR range, the spokesman said there were no plans at this stage. As yet, it does not sell enough cars here to support such a move.THE DRIVEFrom the word go it was apparent that the turbocharged Optima is much better to drive. It's quicker off the line and pulls more strongly in the mid range and, with much more torque - the transmission isn't nearly as busy as in the 2.4. Although it was fitted with the same 18 inch wheels as the Australian model, the ride was much smoother on American roads. In Australia, we reckon the 17s are a better option. One major difference between the two models is the electric parking brake that replaces the foot operated brake in our cars).VERDICTThe addition of turbocharged models to Kia's Australian line-up will attract attention and buyers. The cars look great and the extra power will enable them to compete at a higher level, especially with its German competition. It just has to be careful it does not cannibalise sales from other models. 

The Rotary Pickup (REPU) was the world's first and only Wankel-engined pickup truck -- or ute as they are better known here. It was sold from 1974 to 1977 and appears to have been available only in the United States and Canada where it is now highly collectable. Pronounced Rhee-Phoo, the Rotary Engined Pickup had a 4-port 1.3 L 13B 4-barrel carburetted engine, flared fenders, battery mounted under the bed, a different dash, front grille, and round tail lights. It is estimated that just over 15,000 of the early B Series utes were built in total. Most were made for the 1974 model year, after the energy crisis of the time put a damper on sales. Mazda restamped many of the 1974 models with a prefix “S” designating it as a “1975” model. About 700 units were built for the 1976 model year. Mazda invested in a moderate redesign for the 1977 model, updating electrical systems, adding an additional 4 inches (100 mm) cab stretch for more comfort, and a 5-speed manual transmission with differential gearing. However, after about 3000 units, the REPU met its maker due to poor sales. Road & Track magazine was impressed with the “smooth, quiet power” and the “nice” interior. "The engine is reasonably quiet and, as usual, butter-smooth as it pulls strongly up through the gears or merely accelerated impressively in top gear. “As with the passenger cars there's a warning buzzer to keep you from overdoing it, coming on at something over 6000 rpm. We used 7000 rpm as a limit and found the pickup capable of 0-60 in 11 sec flat and the quarter-mile in 18.3: not as quick as the fastest American pickup, but peppy indeed.” Price back then was about US$3500 and the rotary engine delivered fuel consumption in the order of 14.3 litres/100km. Most of the remaining utes can be found on the west coast of the US and continue to be sought out by enthusiasts. Like many of the other Mazda rotary vehicles, the REPU was raced. Its most notable finish was an overall victory at the 1975 SCCA Mojave 24 Hour Rally at the hands of drivers Malcolm Smith and Jack Sreenan.  

The first time I laid eyes on this car I thought they'd got it wrong. It's not the first of their so-called X series "sport activity vehicles'' that they've had teething problems with, but BMW has persisted, continuing to refine the concept.And the latest, the baby of the range, the X1 looks, well . . . not too bad (still not pretty mind, but at least an improvement). Either way, it doesn't appear to have bother buyers much because BMW says the X1 has been a "runaway'' success since its launch here back in 2010.VALUEThink cheap Beemer but with the added bonus of all-wheel drive (not in all models) along with the coveted high driving position that allows the driver to see what's going on ahead. Trimmed with faux leather as standard it's likely to appeal to oldies who'll find the raised height makes getting in and out easier and to younger, `outdoorsy' types looking for something more expressive and want a bit of a knockaround car.Prices start from $44,900 rising to a high of $58,200 for the top of the line X1 xDrive28i. That's cheaper than the equivalent 1 Series hatch and $10,000 less than the 3 Series sedan on which it happens to be based.The entry price gets you 17 inch alloys with run-flat tyres, cruise control with braking function, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, USB audio plus Bluetooth and a trip computer  to name a few. It's available with bundled X Line, Sport Line or M Sport packages as well as numerous other options that quickly inflate the price.All models come with a 6-speed manual as standard, despite the fact 80 per cent of customers tick the box for an auto. An 8-speed traditional auto is a $2700 option across the range.TECHNOLOGYThree new engine variants join the existing X1 xDrive20d for the Australian market. The range kicks off with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel in the rear drive sDrive18d that delivers 105kW and 320Nm and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds.Power rises to 135kW and 380Nm of torque in the more powerful diesel, the all-wheel drive xDrive20d with 0-100km/h taking 8.1 seconds. Two new petrol models, the X1 sDrive20i and X1 xDrive28i, are powered by a twin scroll, turbocharged 2.0 litre direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine.In the rear-drive sDrive20i it delivers 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque and does the dash in 7.4 seconds. Power is boosted to 180kW and 350Nm in the range-topping all-wheel drive xDrive28i, with 0-100km/h taking only 6.1 seconds.The latter engine replaces a 3.0-litre six that produced a mere 160kW/280Nm  you wouldn't think it was possible. The upgraded range benefits from smart technology like Brake Energy regeneration, Auto Stop-Start for both manual and the optional 8-speed auto, plus ECO PRO mode and an Optimum Shift point indicator for the manual models.DESIGNLike the X3 it has shed some of its unpainted, plastic cladding, or more specifically it has been disguised with silver-coloured embellishments at the front, back and sides to alleviate the effect. The side indicator lights have also been integrated into the side mirrors.The headlights have been redesigned and when optioned with Xenon lights while LED rings and eyebrows give it a more distinctive appearance, further enhanced by the new fog lamp surrounds. The cabin has also been enhanced with the addition of new, higher quality materials covering the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and new chrome trim elements that combine to create a more premium atmosphere. For the first time too larger 19 inch wheels and rubber are optional.SAFETYFive stars of course. Comes with front, side and curtain airbags, plus electronic traction and stability control, along with anti-lock brakes, with brake assist and cornering brake control. A rear view camera however remains optional and needs to be paired with one of the two satnav systems ($900 plus either $2221 or $3460)  making it exey. Sadly you don't get Bluetooth audio streaming without satnav either which, incidentally, does not provide speed camera warnings.DRVINGBelieve it or not the diesel is the better drive. We drove the three of the four models  the two diesels and top of the line petrol xDrive28i. Though the petrol car is quicker off the line, there's not much between them in the mid-range.The striking difference is in the way the diesel feels, suprisingly tighter and more controlled, with less body roll. The techs say there's only a 5kg difference in weight and for the record both cars were fitted with the exact same wheels and rubber  225/45 18s all round.The entry level diesel fitted with smaller 17s wasn't disappointing either. Two-wheel drive variants are fitted with more sophisticated, Servotronic steering while all-wheel drive models still have the older style, hydraulic system  but this is set to change from March production. It's not a biggy but worth noting, if you're in the market.Claimed fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 litres/100km in the entry level diesel to 7.8 litres/100km in the top of the line petrol model. Option the 8-speed auto and we're told you get even lower consumption. During the test drive on Queensland's Gold Coast we got 6.0 litres/100km from the 18d, 6.9 litres/100km from the 20d and 11.9 litres/100km from the 28i - a big difference.VERDICTLooks aside, it feels and drives just like any other BMW, composed and difficult to unsettle even on lousy back roads. The diesel is definitely the pick in terms of fuel economy and simply for the way it drives. The issues as we see them are the price of the auto which should be standard and the even greater price gouge for a reversing camera that must be teamed with satnav.BMW X1Price: from $44,900Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 2.0-litre turbo petrol (105kW/320Nm) sDrive18d, (135kW/270Nm) sDrive20i, (180kW/350Nm) xDrive28iTransmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed autoThirst: from 4.9L/100 km to 7.8L/100 km

There's something very feline about this car. Like a big cat it sits coiled, muscles bunched, ready to spring into action. Renault describes the latest Megane RS 265 8:08 limited edition as the ultimate hot hatch and we're inclined to agree.VALUE AND RANGEMegane RS 265 is available in three editions; entry level Cup ($42,640), sporty Trophy ($47,140) and luxury Trophy+ ($51,640). This one the limited edition Trophy 8:08 is $49,990 and only 100 examples are coming to Australia. The 8:08 is for the time the car set at the Nurburgring where it holds the lap record for a front drive car.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre turbocharged four delivers an extra 11kW of power and an additional 20Nm of torque but only in sport mode. The rest of the time it's 184kW/340Nm. The engine is mated to a short shifting 6-speed manual transmission, with 0-100km/h taking 6.0 seconds flat. It's not as fast out of the gates as some but that's beside the point. Mid-range response is ferocious and Renault Sport's Cup chassis together with a limited slip diff deliver unbelievable traction.DESIGNA series of subtle exterior changes have been made, to project a more forceful image. The front end has been designed, with the F1-style front blade, characteristic of Renault Sport models, now featuring two rows of six LEDs and chrome highlights. In addition, the front headlight masks are now sporty black. New 18-inch matt black wheels rims are standard but the 8:08 gets black 19s fitted with 235/35 Bridgestone Potenzas the same tyre used for the record.There's also leather trimmed Recaros, bi-xenon directional headlights and limited edition Trophy decals. In addition the Trophy 8:08 is available in two limited edition colours: pearl white and Renault Sport's signature liquid yellow.Unfortunately the inside doesn't quite live up to the outside. It's all a bit drab apart from the yellow seatbelts and yellow stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel and gear lever knob. Other sporty appointments include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a carbon-effect finish for the door panel inserts. The Recaros could do with some tilt adjustment and the forward mounted door handles lack leverage making it difficult to pull back when the large doors are swinging towards another car or a wall.DRIVINGWhat a ripper. You won't want to give this one back. The new model benefits from some exhaust tuning and enhanced engine acoustics. Suffice to say it purrs like a pussycat on the motorway, turning over a lazy 2500 revs at 110km/h. Acceleration is strong, the clutch action is heavy at first and gear changes are not always as smooth as we'd like.But it's in the twisty bits that this car really comes alive. Mid-range acceleration is phenomenal and it has an indecent amount of grip for a front wheel drive car. The four-pot 340mm Brembos allow braking deep into the corner.VERDICTAnyone considering a WRX or EVO should seriously have a long, hard look at one of these babies. It's really that good and you really won't be disappointed.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Toyota's attention getting 86 sports car. This one is the GT entry model with a manual transmission. It will be the preferred choice of many punters, bearing in mind that less is often more when it comes to sports cars.How much?Prices start at $29,990. The big problem is getting hold of one. The waiting list has blown out to more than a year we're told - the good news is that this week Toyota announced it had managed to get hold of another 1500.What are competitors?Excellent question, especially for someone who wants the car now and is not prepared to wait. For the price nothing else really comes within cooee  but a Veloster Turbo might tide you over at $31,990.What's under the bonnet?A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat four Subaru engine (shared with the BRZ). Produces 147kW of power at 7000 revs and 205Nm of torque between 6400 and 6600 revs. That makes it a high revving engine with a narrow band of torque.How does it go?Fantastic. Once you get the hang of it that is. This is not a car that you can dawdle around in, leaving it in top gear. You need to change and change often to keep in the zone. With no revs on the dial you will be left high and dry on the other side of a corner.Is it economical?The manual is rated at 7.8 litres/100km and interestingly that's exactly what we were getting after just over 400km of driving. Bear in mind that this engine requires 98 RON fuel or higher according to the book. Neither the GT or GTS provide distance to empty which is kind of wierd.Is it green?Both the manual and automatic get 4 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5). The manual produces 181g/km of CO2.Is it safe?Hasn't been tested by ANCAP yet but has been designed to get 5 stars, with seven airbags as standard and a pedestrian-friendly front structure.Is it comfortable?It's a long way down but once you're there it's all good. No back seat to speak of but the sports bucket will accommodate a range of frames.What's it like to drive?Sounds more like a boxer engine than the auto. As the Beach Boys sang - Fun! Fun! Fun! Toyota has really ripped one out with this model, the complete antithesis of the very boring Camry?Is it value for money?Add in a digital speedo and distance to empty and we'd be happy as a pig in mud.Would we buy one?Where do we sign?Toyota 86Price: from $29,990Engine: 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: six-speed manual, six-speed auto, RWDFuel economy:  7.8L/100km (7.1L auto) 98RON0-100km/h: 7.6 secs (8.2 auto)