29.01.2009
Hot hatches have always been the mainstay of affordable high-performance driving. Chris Harris tests six of the quickest and most characterful examples on road and track.
Click the image below to read the magazine feature then share your views with us here on Dialogue.
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48 Comments
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 29, 2009I haven’t read it yet, but for a start:
Great job Neil!!! Your work is showing really well!!
Pedro Sousa aka Ginga
January 29, 2009I haven’t read it yet, but for a start:
Great job Neil!!! Your work is showing really well!!
Alex
January 29, 2009Excellent article, but where was the Scirocco?!
Alex
January 29, 2009Excellent article, but where was the Scirocco?!
Pete Wadsworth
January 29, 2009Probably where it belongs… not in that article.
Pete Wadsworth
January 29, 2009Probably where it belongs… not in that article.
Alan
January 29, 2009None of the cars featured are great lookers, which is a bit disappointing. I am sure they drive well but I am not a great fan of all the added spoilers, coloured alloys etc.
Alan
January 29, 2009None of the cars featured are great lookers, which is a bit disappointing. I am sure they drive well but I am not a great fan of all the added spoilers, coloured alloys etc.
identti
January 29, 2009Another good road test. It’s interesting that you like the Impreza despite the body roll – I think a good ride and minimal body roll can be achieved – I find excessive body roll can get annoying.
Hot hatches are great though. I drive my Suzuki Swift Sport every day and it’s a hoot when I want it to be. Take the engine over 4k and drive down some B-road rally stages and I can’t stop grinning.
identti
January 29, 2009Another good road test. It’s interesting that you like the Impreza despite the body roll – I think a good ride and minimal body roll can be achieved – I find excessive body roll can get annoying.
Hot hatches are great though. I drive my Suzuki Swift Sport every day and it’s a hoot when I want it to be. Take the engine over 4k and drive down some B-road rally stages and I can’t stop grinning.
Dave Knott
January 30, 2009Shame you didn’t include the BMW 130i M-Sport in that test. Why is this car so often over looked? It’s a much under-rated car in my opinion
Dave Knott
January 30, 2009Shame you didn’t include the BMW 130i M-Sport in that test. Why is this car so often over looked? It’s a much under-rated car in my opinion
Richard - DR
January 31, 2009@Alex and Dave: Thanks for your comments. We agree that both the Scirocco and 130 are extremely capable cars, but the original premise for this test was gathering a group of hot hatches that had been tweaked to a greater or lesser extent beyond the standard spec by the manufacturers.
I guess the Astra VXR was the most extreme example, while the Honda CTR with a diff was probably the mildest (yet strangely one of the most improved). Perhaps we didn’t express the intention of the test clearly enough in the standfirst, so apologies if you feel we missed some of your favourites. Keep the suggestions coming.
Richard - DR
January 31, 2009@Alex and Dave: Thanks for your comments. We agree that both the Scirocco and 130 are extremely capable cars, but the original premise for this test was gathering a group of hot hatches that had been tweaked to a greater or lesser extent beyond the standard spec by the manufacturers.
I guess the Astra VXR was the most extreme example, while the Honda CTR with a diff was probably the mildest (yet strangely one of the most improved). Perhaps we didn’t express the intention of the test clearly enough in the standfirst, so apologies if you feel we missed some of your favourites. Keep the suggestions coming.
Scott Newman
February 1, 2009Something I was curious about, the 2009 WRX in Oz has the 195kw 2.5 litre motor as standard. Is this the case in the U.K??
Scott Newman
February 1, 2009Something I was curious about, the 2009 WRX in Oz has the 195kw 2.5 litre motor as standard. Is this the case in the U.K??
Judah777
February 1, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec (FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car….which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year….JDM Civic type R or the Renault R26.R ?
Judah777
February 1, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec (FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car….which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year….JDM Civic type R or the Renault R26.R ?
Lee
February 1, 2009yeah good article that. Still an EVO subscriber but venture on to DR now and again and today decided to join up and become a member!
IMO the R26R is a bit too extreme to go up against the other cars. Would you like to be driving on those semi slick R888′s in this weather, like tomorrow when its gonna be rather slippery? The CTR might even get lost into the scenery. Shame you couldn’t have used a Golf GTI ED30 or Pirelli which has a bit more poke than standard version.
Keep up the good work.
Lee
February 1, 2009yeah good article that. Still an EVO subscriber but venture on to DR now and again and today decided to join up and become a member!
IMO the R26R is a bit too extreme to go up against the other cars. Would you like to be driving on those semi slick R888′s in this weather, like tomorrow when its gonna be rather slippery? The CTR might even get lost into the scenery. Shame you couldn’t have used a Golf GTI ED30 or Pirelli which has a bit more poke than standard version.
Keep up the good work.
Lee
February 1, 2009@Scott Newman:
Nope the standard WRX 2.5 the UK gets is in 227bhp guise (169kw).
Lee
February 1, 2009@Scott Newman:
Nope the standard WRX 2.5 the UK gets is in 227bhp guise (169kw).
jl123
February 1, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec (FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car….which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year….JDM Civic type R or the Renault R26.R ?
Judah,
I held my mouth on this. But now that someone has been honest enough to admit it,(so I don’t have to hear that I’m being too critical) I gotta say your 100% right and really the excuse that is incoming for this, should already be mooted right now. If DR is going to write up so few group tests, and not even make video’s tests anymore, each had better be very very good. And as well if we have three of the best driver/writers in the industry, each should have their opionions in each article. I want you guys to succeed, but I think you need more material and more editorial content from the full team. Come on guys lets go!. JL
jl123
February 1, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec (FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car….which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year….JDM Civic type R or the Renault R26.R ?
Judah,
I held my mouth on this. But now that someone has been honest enough to admit it,(so I don’t have to hear that I’m being too critical) I gotta say your 100% right and really the excuse that is incoming for this, should already be mooted right now. If DR is going to write up so few group tests, and not even make video’s tests anymore, each had better be very very good. And as well if we have three of the best driver/writers in the industry, each should have their opionions in each article. I want you guys to succeed, but I think you need more material and more editorial content from the full team. Come on guys lets go!. JL
jl123
February 2, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec(FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car..which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year..JDM Civic type R or the Renault
R26.R ?
Judah,
I held my mouth on this. But now that someone has been honest enough to admit it,(so I don’t have to hear that I’m being too critical) I gotta say your 100% right and really the excuse that is incoming for this, should
already be mooted right now. If DR is going to write up so few group tests, and not even make video’s of these tests anymore, each had better be very very good. Indeed the new Megane is one of most interesting cars in the world right now but I know that Chris could/should write more about how it drives than this…”it has monster traction, it tackles bumpy roads as well as the Civic, despite the unyielding sidewalls of its Toyo Cup tyres…It isn’t quite as fast as the pimped-out Ford, but it counters with better steering heroic dry-weather grip and great damping- even if it is still very stiff for road use.” Thats all he wrote in 30 pages.
And as well if we have three of the best driver/writers in the industry, each should have their opinions in each article. I want to know what Rich and Jet think about how the best hot hatches drive as well? Is that asking too much?
I want DR to succeed, but I think you need more material and more editorial content from the full team. Come on guys lets go!. JL
jl123
February 2, 2009@Richard – DR:
Why didn’t you include the JDM Type R Civic (FD2) instead of the UK Spec(FN2) car?
I mean it was you Richard who said “the most focused front-wheel drive car we know” (referring to the JDM type R Civic when DR compared it to the JCW Mini a few months ago.
I understand that it is not an “official” UK model, but neither was the Nissan GTR that DR pitched against a Porsche GT2.
The fact is that Litchfield, as well as many other import specialists, offer this car for sale (new and used) in the UK.
So Richard, tell us which is the best FWD car..which would you spend your own money on to own and run for a year..JDM Civic type R or the Renault
R26.R ?
Judah,
I held my mouth on this. But now that someone has been honest enough to admit it,(so I don’t have to hear that I’m being too critical) I gotta say your 100% right and really the excuse that is incoming for this, should
already be mooted right now. If DR is going to write up so few group tests, and not even make video’s of these tests anymore, each had better be very very good. Indeed the new Megane is one of most interesting cars in the world right now but I know that Chris could/should write more about how it drives than this…”it has monster traction, it tackles bumpy roads as well as the Civic, despite the unyielding sidewalls of its Toyo Cup tyres…It isn’t quite as fast as the pimped-out Ford, but it counters with better steering heroic dry-weather grip and great damping- even if it is still very stiff for road use.” Thats all he wrote in 30 pages.
And as well if we have three of the best driver/writers in the industry, each should have their opinions in each article. I want to know what Rich and Jet think about how the best hot hatches drive as well? Is that asking too much?
I want DR to succeed, but I think you need more material and more editorial content from the full team. Come on guys lets go!. JL
TegTypeR
February 2, 2009It’s great to see such a brilliant range of hot hatches tested together.
I still ponder what the Civic would be like with lower poundage springs and little more grunt (well 240bhp like the JDM version).
TegTypeR
February 2, 2009It’s great to see such a brilliant range of hot hatches tested together.
I still ponder what the Civic would be like with lower poundage springs and little more grunt (well 240bhp like the JDM version).
Richard - DR
February 3, 2009@Judah/jl123,
Thanks for your comments. The intention of the test was to gather some of the more interesting factory-fettled hatches on the market. Some, like the 888 VXR Astra have had a ton of work done, while the CTR has just a diff and white paint. What all share is that they offer something beyond the standard hot model. We could have included a JDM CTR, but it isn’t a hatchback. Besides we wanted to bring some attention to the UK version, as it is much better thanks to the diff, and we didn’t want to restrict it to FWD, as we wished to include the Impreza.
We also wanted to establish the hot hatch landscape prior to the arrival of the Focus RS, so that we can better appraise it when we get behind the wheel later this month. Once we have we’ll be in a much better position to conduct a ‘Best FWD’ type of comparison. To attempt one sooner would have left us open to criticism that we had ignored the RS, which I’m sure you’ll agree promises a great deal.
As for no videos, we do have one coming of the hot hatch test. It was our sincere intention to have this edited and live on the site closer to the point the feature went live, but there’s only so much a small team can achieve, at least until we manage to clone Neil Carey. We do appreciate your feedback, especially as the sentiment is essentially ‘we want more content!’ but we would also appreciate your patience, for we are as keen to get content live as you are.
Perhaps while we’ve touched on the subject of Greatest FWD cars you’d like to think about those cars you feel should be on the shortlist. All suggestions welcome…
Richard - DR
February 3, 2009@Judah/jl123,
Thanks for your comments. The intention of the test was to gather some of the more interesting factory-fettled hatches on the market. Some, like the 888 VXR Astra have had a ton of work done, while the CTR has just a diff and white paint. What all share is that they offer something beyond the standard hot model. We could have included a JDM CTR, but it isn’t a hatchback. Besides we wanted to bring some attention to the UK version, as it is much better thanks to the diff, and we didn’t want to restrict it to FWD, as we wished to include the Impreza.
We also wanted to establish the hot hatch landscape prior to the arrival of the Focus RS, so that we can better appraise it when we get behind the wheel later this month. Once we have we’ll be in a much better position to conduct a ‘Best FWD’ type of comparison. To attempt one sooner would have left us open to criticism that we had ignored the RS, which I’m sure you’ll agree promises a great deal.
As for no videos, we do have one coming of the hot hatch test. It was our sincere intention to have this edited and live on the site closer to the point the feature went live, but there’s only so much a small team can achieve, at least until we manage to clone Neil Carey. We do appreciate your feedback, especially as the sentiment is essentially ‘we want more content!’ but we would also appreciate your patience, for we are as keen to get content live as you are.
Perhaps while we’ve touched on the subject of Greatest FWD cars you’d like to think about those cars you feel should be on the shortlist. All suggestions welcome…
Neville Contractor
February 3, 2009Impressive video of the mini, it was mega sideways through that sequence of corners!
My last car was a first gen ‘new’ Copper S and although I never managed to afford the John Copper Works package it provided me with constant entertainment – I’m glad the second generation is continuing the legacy.
Also glad the Subaru got an honest write-up about its dynamic abilities. All it needs now is a rush facelift, (something Subaru should be good at, after having to do it so many times) for it to return to some form of greatness.
Neville Contractor
February 3, 2009Impressive video of the mini, it was mega sideways through that sequence of corners!
My last car was a first gen ‘new’ Copper S and although I never managed to afford the John Copper Works package it provided me with constant entertainment – I’m glad the second generation is continuing the legacy.
Also glad the Subaru got an honest write-up about its dynamic abilities. All it needs now is a rush facelift, (something Subaru should be good at, after having to do it so many times) for it to return to some form of greatness.
Ben
February 3, 2009If only BMW did some Performance parts for the 130i
Ben
February 3, 2009If only BMW did some Performance parts for the 130i
Dave Knott
February 4, 2009Yes indeedy. Those BMW Performance parts do look rather tasty, but also pretty pricey! The best 130i upgrade in my opinion is the fitment of a Quaife Limited Slip Diff by Birds of Uxbridge (£1145 fitted). My perfect car would have the Diff, normal tyres (ditch the run-flats), and lightweight 18″ alloys. Then you have a proper baby M-car with none of the disadvantasges of Group 20 insurance.
Dave Knott
February 4, 2009Yes indeedy. Those BMW Performance parts do look rather tasty, but also pretty pricey! The best 130i upgrade in my opinion is the fitment of a Quaife Limited Slip Diff by Birds of Uxbridge (£1145 fitted). My perfect car would have the Diff, normal tyres (ditch the run-flats), and lightweight 18″ alloys. Then you have a proper baby M-car with none of the disadvantasges of Group 20 insurance.
Richard - DR
February 5, 2009Funny you should say that, but we were only chatting about what we’d do to a 1 Series the other day. I quite fancy a 123d hatch with a diff and the wheel/tyre combo you suggest, plus maybe some more supportive seats. De-badge it (or put some 116d badges on it) and you’d have a right laugh at 40mpg! As I’m marooned at home – and have far too much work to do – I think I’ll make a coffee and get on the BMW configurator…
Richard - DR
February 5, 2009Funny you should say that, but we were only chatting about what we’d do to a 1 Series the other day. I quite fancy a 123d hatch with a diff and the wheel/tyre combo you suggest, plus maybe some more supportive seats. De-badge it (or put some 116d badges on it) and you’d have a right laugh at 40mpg! As I’m marooned at home – and have far too much work to do – I think I’ll make a coffee and get on the BMW configurator…
jl123
February 5, 2009Rich,
Why the need to only test hatchbacks? Is the R26 really a hatchback with a cage in the rear? So its down to cars that merely look like hatches? But really I certainly won’t get into an argument with you on the merits of strictly testing hatchbacks.
But where I will argue is a point that I believe you are not getting, and which is the heart of what DR should be… Again I’ll reiterate what I wrote before…
“the new Megane is one of most interesting cars in the world right now but I know that Chris could/should write more about how it drives than this…”it has monster traction, it tackles bumpy roads as well as the Civic, despite the unyielding sidewalls of its Toyo Cup tyres…It isn’t quite as fast as the pimped-out Ford, but it counters with better steering heroic dry-weather grip and great damping- even if it is still very stiff for road use.” Thats all he wrote in 30 pages.”
I think many of us would not only like more articles, which again seem to mostly be about new car launches; which we can get absolutely anywhere. But really we want information and more information from all three of you about how the best cars drive.
I would say that an on-line log of all three of your impressions over the course of the week- on each car along different sorts of roads would be great. We want to know more about the R-26 and there’s no reason we should not.
As it stands your articles are little different than everyone elses- with the exception of maybe 3 or 4; and the other being that sometimes you are want to leave extra comments in this comment area.
Why not be bold and make the concept of the road test more exciting and long lasting? I want to know more about the R-26 and a many other great cars, yet I feel it will be months before I read even so much as a paragraph about this car or any other?
I believe there is so little discussion about cars on this site because- I mean most comments have less than 10 people talking on any of your articles, thats way too little– the articles are not interactive and different enough to provoke questions. Try to make on-line live logs from all three of you about the best cars there are, driven over a few days, and I’m sure many more people would take interest. Again I want you guys to succeed, but we need more. J
jl123
February 5, 2009Rich,
Why the need to only test hatchbacks? Is the R26 really a hatchback with a cage in the rear? So its down to cars that merely look like hatches? But really I certainly won’t get into an argument with you on the merits of strictly testing hatchbacks.
But where I will argue is a point that I believe you are not getting, and which is the heart of what DR should be… Again I’ll reiterate what I wrote before…
“the new Megane is one of most interesting cars in the world right now but I know that Chris could/should write more about how it drives than this…”it has monster traction, it tackles bumpy roads as well as the Civic, despite the unyielding sidewalls of its Toyo Cup tyres…It isn’t quite as fast as the pimped-out Ford, but it counters with better steering heroic dry-weather grip and great damping- even if it is still very stiff for road use.” Thats all he wrote in 30 pages.”
I think many of us would not only like more articles, which again seem to mostly be about new car launches; which we can get absolutely anywhere. But really we want information and more information from all three of you about how the best cars drive.
I would say that an on-line log of all three of your impressions over the course of the week- on each car along different sorts of roads would be great. We want to know more about the R-26 and there’s no reason we should not.
As it stands your articles are little different than everyone elses- with the exception of maybe 3 or 4; and the other being that sometimes you are want to leave extra comments in this comment area.
Why not be bold and make the concept of the road test more exciting and long lasting? I want to know more about the R-26 and a many other great cars, yet I feel it will be months before I read even so much as a paragraph about this car or any other?
I believe there is so little discussion about cars on this site because- I mean most comments have less than 10 people talking on any of your articles, thats way too little– the articles are not interactive and different enough to provoke questions. Try to make on-line live logs from all three of you about the best cars there are, driven over a few days, and I’m sure many more people would take interest. Again I want you guys to succeed, but we need more. J
Richard - DR
February 5, 2009@jl123 (Jeremy),
Glad you steered clear of the ‘why only hatchbacks’ question, as we could argue for hours over that. Suffice to say that sometimes you have to draw the line with inclusions to avoid a sprawling mess of a story with no central theme. The ‘hook’ for this was ultimate factory-spec hatches. Er, apart from the WRXS, which we snuck in as we were curious how it would compare.
I understand some of your frustrations with a group test format, for despite its intended purpose a collective assessment of four, five, six cars or more isn’t the ideal means to articulate a truly detailed dissection of all the cars’ dynamics.
What group tests are good at is providing a reasonably detailed picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each car and how they compare. In Chris’s defence I believe he got across the relative abilities, failings and characters of the cars well, and I’m sure that were you to drive the cars you would recognise each from his descriptions.
You’re correct in saying that the road test is the best means of satisfying those who want a definitive appraisal of a car, and believe it or not it has always been our intention to produce a regular DR Road Test in a more detailed, relevant and – please Lord – less pompous way than some of our print rivals. And, you’ll be pleased to hear, not necessarily on solely diary led metal. Indeed we might even offer up a shortlist of cars we’d like to road test and get DR visitors to decide which one gets the nod.
I like your suggestion of a more prolonged and interactive element of the test, where we each make comments as and when we get to drive the same car. That relies on the three of us being in the same county or country for five consecutive days, which isn’t often at the moment, but we’ll take a look at how this might be achieved and presented on the site. Better still it could provide a means for you (and others) to ask us specific questions relating to the dynamics on a day-by-day basis, which would hopefully address some of your frustrations with the rigid and restrictive format of the traditional road test.
Like I’ve said before, we will always make the effort to respond to constructive requests/suggestions/criticism. I can completely understand your need for intelligent editorial nourishment, but please rest assured that we’ll continue to do our best to provide it.
Richard - DR
February 5, 2009@jl123 (Jeremy),
Glad you steered clear of the ‘why only hatchbacks’ question, as we could argue for hours over that. Suffice to say that sometimes you have to draw the line with inclusions to avoid a sprawling mess of a story with no central theme. The ‘hook’ for this was ultimate factory-spec hatches. Er, apart from the WRXS, which we snuck in as we were curious how it would compare.
I understand some of your frustrations with a group test format, for despite its intended purpose a collective assessment of four, five, six cars or more isn’t the ideal means to articulate a truly detailed dissection of all the cars’ dynamics.
What group tests are good at is providing a reasonably detailed picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each car and how they compare. In Chris’s defence I believe he got across the relative abilities, failings and characters of the cars well, and I’m sure that were you to drive the cars you would recognise each from his descriptions.
You’re correct in saying that the road test is the best means of satisfying those who want a definitive appraisal of a car, and believe it or not it has always been our intention to produce a regular DR Road Test in a more detailed, relevant and – please Lord – less pompous way than some of our print rivals. And, you’ll be pleased to hear, not necessarily on solely diary led metal. Indeed we might even offer up a shortlist of cars we’d like to road test and get DR visitors to decide which one gets the nod.
I like your suggestion of a more prolonged and interactive element of the test, where we each make comments as and when we get to drive the same car. That relies on the three of us being in the same county or country for five consecutive days, which isn’t often at the moment, but we’ll take a look at how this might be achieved and presented on the site. Better still it could provide a means for you (and others) to ask us specific questions relating to the dynamics on a day-by-day basis, which would hopefully address some of your frustrations with the rigid and restrictive format of the traditional road test.
Like I’ve said before, we will always make the effort to respond to constructive requests/suggestions/criticism. I can completely understand your need for intelligent editorial nourishment, but please rest assured that we’ll continue to do our best to provide it.
jl123
February 6, 2009Rich,
Wow. That was refreshing. I might even be tempted to call you Barack Meaden- the great unifier; maybe you guys could meet next time he’s in the UK. The new voice of the high performance motor car- shy demeanor be damned. Never heard any journalist (outside of maybe Iraq) talk that frankly. It truly sounds like you guys want to bring proper old school journal-style journalism to driving automobiles and onto all the internet can further allow. And indeed if you guys can pull this off I believe throngs of wheel heads will join with you. Forget evolution and lets get to the revolution. Ain’t no one else even in the ball park.
After well over 20 years of advocating and flat out either annoying or entertaining the crap out of you scribes,(from George Kacher to Barker, to you, to the staff over at Automotor und sport etc.) it seems as if someone has caught up to my pleas. I wonder if you ever thought you would be agreeing to one of ‘Jerry’s’ ideas. Or at least thinking of a like mind.
If I’m anytime soon in a position to help you guys in some way I will. Indeed when it comes to cars I’m pretty certain there is much to advocate for. Back to the search engine.
Thank u, JL
PS- If you want to see commentary here’s 160 pages of heated debate from a GT-R/911/M3 comparison from Car and Driver. So you see the demand and voices are there. There simply needs to be a means to let everyone understand there automotive hero’s in the context where they work best. Which C and D could not do and lost major readership from…
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/coupes/2008_bmw_m3_vs_2009_nissan_gt_r_vs_2008_porsche_911_turbo_comparison_test+page-2.html
jl123
February 6, 2009Rich,
Wow. That was refreshing. I might even be tempted to call you Barack Meaden- the great unifier; maybe you guys could meet next time he’s in the UK. The new voice of the high performance motor car- shy demeanor be damned. Never heard any journalist (outside of maybe Iraq) talk that frankly. It truly sounds like you guys want to bring proper old school journal-style journalism to driving automobiles and onto all the internet can further allow. And indeed if you guys can pull this off I believe throngs of wheel heads will join with you. Forget evolution and lets get to the revolution. Ain’t no one else even in the ball park.
After well over 20 years of advocating and flat out either annoying or entertaining the crap out of you scribes,(from George Kacher to Barker, to you, to the staff over at Automotor und sport etc.) it seems as if someone has caught up to my pleas. I wonder if you ever thought you would be agreeing to one of ‘Jerry’s’ ideas. Or at least thinking of a like mind.
If I’m anytime soon in a position to help you guys in some way I will. Indeed when it comes to cars I’m pretty certain there is much to advocate for. Back to the search engine.
Thank u, JL
PS- If you want to see commentary here’s 160 pages of heated debate from a GT-R/911/M3 comparison from Car and Driver. So you see the demand and voices are there. There simply needs to be a means to let everyone understand there automotive hero’s in the context where they work best. Which C and D could not do and lost major readership from…
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/coupes/2008_bmw_m3_vs_2009_nissan_gt_r_vs_2008_porsche_911_turbo_comparison_test+page-2.html
Mark
February 12, 2009Will the video for this feature be online soon?
Mark
February 12, 2009Will the video for this feature be online soon?
Alex
February 13, 2009Another question for Chris/Richard:
Does the Championship Civic have different suspension than the normal one? (Obviously you get the white paintjob, white wheels and LSD)
Alex
February 13, 2009Another question for Chris/Richard:
Does the Championship Civic have different suspension than the normal one? (Obviously you get the white paintjob, white wheels and LSD)