Nicebiscuit

That's a cruel and unusual punishment. Who did you upset?

Good. Thanks - thought it might be possible as I'd assumed the optional JBL system ran a separate amp... BMW was like that - the factory upgraded audio option used a little four channel amp in the boot, so it was fairly easy to replicate using aftermarket kit.

I am honoured, thank you. (We have cats called 'Dr Sausage' and 'Captain Jamie Ankles' - lesson: never let your children name pets...)

Is it ok to be in the club if you're not called Keith? I'm hardly ever called Keith...

My wife says yes. Or more accurately 'I hoped you'd like that one, it's pretty'. Perhaps she'll forgive me now for selling her Abarth a couple of years back... :-/

I really fancied a Scirocco when they came out, but went with a 1 series coupe at the time. But went back to the Scirocco a couple of months ago and just thought 'meh'. Worst thing is that the fat pillars and low roofline make the interior quite oppressive.

Ran a BMW 1 series coupe for 4 years, but if anything too competent to be fun - if it got unstuck on the road you were probably going too fast. It's less the RWD that was unfamiliar but more resisting the urge not to short shift at 5k rpm. I'll have to 'unlearn' that... That's 6 years of turbocharged cars for you... Also the very sharp throttle response was alien. 'Proper' car though - didn't think they made anything like this any more... I'll take you up on that passenger ride sometime! Would be good to see how it's done properly :-) I do the Alps every year - but usually in a Citroen van full of either skis or camping gear. Still fun mind...

From what Richard told me about you, it might be for the best, for my self esteem at any rate. Apparently you are like Carlos Sainz behind the wheel of a Toyota ;-) I wouldn't have seen which way you went :-D

More measured thoughts... Obviously all the stuff I'd expect to be good is good, but the unexpected bits... - Ride is firm, but more than acceptable - even on the 18' wheels on Richards car - Seats and driving position are simply perfect. I'd do the South of France in this like a shot. - Aftermarket exhaust sounds very nice indeed. - whilst not torquey (I didn't expect that) it's tractable and can do a perfectly credible Yaris impression just pottering around at town speeds. - seeing the wing tops in the view forward is great. Somebody in the design team has driven an E type.

Bit of a comedown - just had a slightly inept blast over the cat and fiddle with Richard (due to it being me driving) and now stuck in dull conference call. General conclusion is that I completely get why you all love these. It's a fantastic thing. I'm now going away to consider, have a meaningful discussion with my wife, and empty every piggy bank in the house. Thanks to Richard, who as the consummate professional managed not to grit his teeth or grab the door handle even once, and also nice to meet Keethos whose car looks even better in real life than it does in the photos.

It looks like it came out of the factory that way. And that is a compliment.

Will hopefully meet you :-)

Lovely idea, but sadly I'm on the skive to grab enough time for a test drive... I'm not off work :-(

I swear by those - currently have them on a 90bhp Citroen Berlingo and a 275bhp Saab Aero, and they work well on both. I can't fault them for the money. Interested to see how they work in this application - particularly whether more or less grippy than the stock Michelins...

I actually like the gold ones above against the Orange. And I don't like gold wheels normally, but it does suit that colour...

Booked in at half twelve. Got a feeling they were going to ask Richard to take me out. I think he's probably the best qualified there to sell them :-D

How kind of you. Thanks for the offer, but I'll be on my way back from France on the 30th. Probably around Le Mans at that point as it happens, but La Sarthe isn't THAT thrilling in a 90bhp Citroen van, as I discovered last year...

How about a pale blue - think classic Gulf racing colours.

Got a test drive booked for Friday at RRG, so I shall find out what all the fuss is about. :-) Test drove a Fiesta ST yesterday which is the only other contender - it's (arguably) best affordable FWD hot hatch vs. best affordable RWD sports car. Will be interesting.

I like that bonnet. Suits the car...

I had no idea... Will make a change as with the Saabs I have to go up to a chap in Glossop as I don't trust anyone else. A decent dealer makes all the difference. Oddly enough I might have fetched up at RRG anyway - it was the not exactly alluring prospect of four years in a company Auris hybrid that prompted me to opt out, which started the whole thing...

Looks like I've fallen on my feet then... :-D

Great thread. Not least because I live in Macclesfield and those roads are the main reason I've decided I need a GT86.... :-D

Oh - one other thing... I live in Macclesfield - was down at RRG earlier picking up a brochure - was told there was a chap who works there who is VERY keen on these. Have I just found out where he hangs out?

Thanks :-). Fifteen years ago I bought a brand new Ford Puma. I loved that car - perfect balance of power and grip. Only 125bhp but you could use every single one. Since then, amongst various family wagons I ran a BMW 1 series coupe. Lovely car, but so much grip it couldn't really be exploited on the road. Currently I have a car that was supposed to be a stop gap - a slightly breathed on, but very elderly Saab 9-5 Aero. It's a complete hoot - very quick, doesn't corner at all. Sort of like a front wheel drive Corvette! :-D So I quite fancy going back to something that needs to be thrashed, and can be... :-)