2013 Ford focus ST

The new Ford Focus is now out and what’s even better is its availability in the ST model.  Sporty styling? Check.  Turbo? Check. Smiles? Well that’s Guaranteed.  Following up on the success of the last generation Focus St, there was a lot to live up to, in terms of its looks and performance.  I think Ford did a great job with the 2013 Focus worthy of that ST badge. At first I didn't agree with the exterior styling with that big front grill, but after taking a closer look and driving it I have a new perception of it.  The rugged grill acts as a muzzle trying to silence this incredible machine.

The Focus St was a pleasure to drive, as it was quiet and relatively smooth, especially for a sports car.  This means that it can also serve as a family car for taking the kids to school, and an after school toy for the grown-ups too.  The 2Litre Eco boost turbo-charged engine with 184kw of power will make sure you have plenty of fun with this car.  Put your foot down and it will immediately silence the humdrum sounds of reality.  The turbo kicks in, and a sensual growling comes from within the engine and out of the unique exhaust (which looked like it belonged to a flame thrower).

Focus, in the literal sense is a necessity for driving this car.  Blink, and you might just end up hitting the top speeds in no time.  But who could blame you if you did, as you sit back and relax in the most comfortable sports car seats I’ve ever experienced.

As much as I like the car, there were however a few faults I found, which were oddly enough all located in the interior.  The center console and radio system needed more contrast from the rest of the car, as its features hid among the dash board.  The gear lever was a little too far from the driver, which can be irritating during any long or short journey.  However, the new Focus ST has a lot more to like than to dislike, especially with its price at around R318 000, it’s actually more affordable and has a greater output of power than it’s Golf GTI competitor.

Subaru Imprezza WRX,

World rally cross or WRX letters that motor enthusiasts love to see on a car that symbolizes power.  With so many vents and scoops on the car, it creates the feeling that you being sucked into the cockpit.  This Subaru is a pleasure to look at, with almost life like qualities resembling that of a Japanese dragon.  With its back scoops and lines, intimidating front head lights like a wild eyed beast and amazing bonnet scoop, acting like the nostrils of a dragon.

So how did it feel driving this dragon you ask?  For a start the cockpit is very quiet, however this is just a misleading tactic. After cruising for a little and enjoying the smooth ride of this beast, I put my foot down an unleashed the true power of the WRX.  You hear the turbo ‘spool’ and then that front “nostril” sucks in great amounts of air.  This is in order for that incredible 2.5litre turbocharged engine to push the ‘fire power’ of this dragon out the tailpipes.  It was like sitting in the world’s most comfortable rocket. Taking the corners was just as fun as it hugged the road with its claw like grip.  It has its all-wheel drive system to thank for this.  There is no doubt that there is more than enough power for anyone to have some fun with this car, especially with that famous Subaru engine sound.

However the interior of the WRX was nothing special. The bucket racing seats were stylish and comfortable but I just expected more from the belly of the beast.  It seemed very boring instead of sporty and creative, but I suppose when you buy this car it’s more for the external styling and the power.

Unfortunately there were some faults on the car.  The wheels were way too small for such a bulky car and such wide wheel arches.  The brakes were the next let down; although I’m sure that they are ample to stop the Subaru, they just didn't seem very responsive initially. I had to really push them before getting actual stopping power.  The price of the WRX is not the prettiest, and although this is a Subaru WRX, one of the most well-known names in motor sport, I just don’t think it’s worth it. It’s currently in a very high price bracket, and unless something changes, this will no longer be known as an amazing toy but a sophisticated trophy. 

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.