xioix

I agree, the competitors would also be the Miata, and Genesis coupe, not the CR-Z

UDel

The RX-8 is not being made anymore and is probably the reason that mmarshal did not mention along with maybe the RX-8 being a unique 4 door coupe/sportscar using a rotary engine. The Miata is definitely a competitor though.

Nice review mmarshall, I am looking forward to test driving this car though I am a little underwhelmed by the exterior and interior and some of the performance numbers. It seems to have lost all the sexiness from the last maroon concept we saw. Still for Subaru and Toyota for making a affordable rwd sports car, hopefully it does well and more companies follow. I still want a new Supra from Toyota

mmarshall

Thanks....and thanks for the suggestion. I've considered that, but I often have a difficult time trying to upload personal photos from my computer and digital-camera into the reviews....it usuallo doesn't work. That's why, most of the time, I use as detailed Google images of the interior/exterior as I can find (from what is available)....sometimes showing more than one different trim-level.

mmarshall

OK, Guys......here's the scoop on what I consider the competitors:

First, the Miata is smaller and does not come in a true coupe version....only soft and hard drop-tops. Only a few true Miata coupes were done over the years.....I can't remember the last one sold in the U.S.

The RX-8 is substantially more expensive, has a totally different (and unique) engine, and, with the two small half-rear doors, again does not come in a true coupe version. As UDel noted, it is also being pulled from the American market, and will not be a sales-factor among new cars.

The Genesis Coupe is a true sports-coupe, but is somewhat larger physically, and, in the upper-level versions, more expensive than the BRZ/FRS class, though I agree you might be able to make an argument for the lower-line 2.0T versions.

The CR-Z, I felt, was at least a borderline-competitor because, even though it is a hybrid and includes the extra electric-motor, it is about the same size (though taller), has around the same torque-ratings, is a true coupe with two doors, and, with options runs roughly in the same price-range, though the base-price is lower.

mmarshall

Well, when you consider that (in spirit, at least as I see it), it seems to be replacing a classic line of sport-coupes from the 1970s, I don't see where that is a big deal. And, besides, a lot of nice cars were done in the 90s.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I don't see it as much of a big deal either, it just that it took Toyota and Subaru about half a decade to finally finish this, IMO underwhelming, vehicle. It's not much different from say 90ies Celica, so it's beyond me what took them so long. And the amount of hype surrounding this car in the last 5 years was over nothing. In that time BMW quietly released the 1 series coupe - which has been on sale in the US for a number of years, and is far better car, albeit more expensive.

MR_F1

a) drive it before you judge it
b) 5 years is the typical development lifecycle for a vehicle.
c) The 1 series is a far better car how exactly?

mmarshall

The 1-series, IMO, costs too much for what you get. It does not realistically compete in the BRZ and FRS price-class. It is also sedan-based, where the BRZ/FRS was designed from the outset to be dedicated sports-coupes/borderline sports-cars).

spwolf

why in the world would 1 series be better car? And 1 series has been around for 8 years now.

adamls2

STI version will take the cake for me Along with a drop and nice wheels

mmarshall

I don't think that dropping a car like this is the way to go. It already sits low and just a few inches off the ground, even with the stock wheels and suspension. Any lower and it would be difficult to keep from damaging the lower-body panels and front air-dam.

mmarshall

Next planned review: Infiniti JX35

Individual

iTrader: (7)

Well thought out and detailed review .

I agree with a lot of things, and mainly the platform sharing. As many would agree, it should stay as a Toyota.

mmarshall

Thanks.

It is marketed as a Toyota in a number of other countries. Here in America, the Scion lineup, of course, tends to disrupt traditional Toyota marketing. The U.S., I believe (though I could be wrong) is the only country with the Scion nameplate.

1JZsoarer

Yep, you are wrong, at least in Canada too we get Scions.