Volkswagen Scirocco R

The all new Volkswagen Scirocco R recently landed in South Africa and I decided to take the DSG for a spin.  Taking a look around the exterior of the car, it’s so dam sexy, and it reminded me of what it was like the first time I realized I was attracted to girls, while not knowing how control those urges.  Everything about it is sporty and robust, including the amazing panoramic sunroof that spans over the entire width of the car.  It looked good in white, but I’d prefer it in its distinctive midnight blue.

 Just starting the engine was fun. Hearing that deep roar got my feet all ‘trigger happy on the throttle.  At high speeds, I could hear the difference between the jet-like sound in the front (thanks to the turbo whistle), and Bruce Banner going all Hulk in the back. The drive was exceptionally smooth and the steering was quite responsive as well.  I cautiously pushed the accelerator down, sensed a short pause, and then suddenly, it felt as if my old man had given me a massive whack and the power launched me forward. It could almost be overwhelming for the average driver, but it’s worth the risk. 

There’s never a dull moment while driving the Scirocco R. Unfortunately, even after driving it, you’ll feel like you’ve had a head-on collision when you see the price. With only 15kW more than the GTI, it doesn’t account for the whopping price difference of +/-R44 600. 

 While the sporty semi-bucket racing seats cradle your body, you need to take a moment to admire the well-furnished leather interior.  Even though it’s only a two door car, there’s still plenty of space for the family or friends (or whatever else you might want to do in the back). It’s definitely one of the larger hatchbacks out there.

With a slightly acquired taste in its distinctive styling, the Scirocco R sets itself apart from other competing turbo hatchbacks. Besides the all other pros, and even with its unjustified pricing, it’s probably the appearing exclusivity that would be a selling point for this car. It’s the same reason why you’d buy a VIP ticket to a concert; so you can look down on everyone and know that only a few people are as fortunate as you.

 

2012 Toyota 86

I recently had the pleasure of test driving the all-new 2012 Toyota 86 in Cape Town.  At first glance, this car is absolutely gorgeous. It’s like a woman on the outside and once you open her up she makes your manly parts tingle even more.  Most of the exterior looks quite sporty, with fierce lines running down the hood and mouth, giving that vicious edge. There were only two draw backs of the outside of the car, one of them being the 16" wheels with an optional upgrade to 17". Proportionally these seem way too small for a sports car like this.  Toyota should’ve been looking at nothing less than an 18" for that vehicle, if not to make it look better than at least for some extra traction.  The other problem I found was the actual "86" emblem on the side of the car.  To me this just looked like a cheap piece of plastic that was stuck on the car at the last minute.

                                          The interior was comfortable and neat but lacked the toys and gadgets that a driver looks for in a sports car.  With no Sat Nav and no cool looking buttons I found myself disappointed, especially considering Toyota’s marketing campaign telling me to “go play” in their “playground”.  Honestly, even holding the steering wheel was like holding a heavily stuffed bra; feels great but you know there’s not much to play with. 

Right now Toyota has only released a 2 liter, 16 valve, DOCH boxer- engine with a six speed manual or automatic gearbox option.  This means it will only push out 144kw @ 7000r/min, letting it reach speeds of just over 220km/h (140mp/h).  Where is the turbo version Toyota? In terms of new Toyota turbo sports car, an 86 turbo could have easily replaced the Supra.

With a nearly perfect front to rear weight distribution of 53:47 and its powerful boxer engine giving all its power to the rear tires.  It makes for handling experience like no other and is a lot of fun, especially if you want to try some drifting. With a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds it falls just short of it turbo charged competitors the Golf GTI and the Ford Focus.

With the Toyota starting at R298 500, the GTI's starting price is R43 400 more expensive and you only get 11kw more power.  In terms of what you are getting and what you are paying for I would take the Toyota, I think this was the most highly anticipated car of 2012 and Toyota have done a great job.