THEYOLO
AWA R D S
MAZDA MX-5 RF*
& TOYOTA 86 GT
This year’s purist prize comes as a double act,
despite the fact these two sports cars can totally
hold their own. The new hard-shelled take on
Mazda’s modern-day classic convertible, the
RF (that’s retractable fastback), oozes a kind of
Stormtrooper-esque design sharpness that is
usually reserved for a pricier class of drop-top.
With a newly finessed suspension system for
attacking corners, a smugness that’ll have
you catching yourself in store windows and
headrest-positioned speakers for top-down
tune-blasting: summer can’t come soon enough.
Similarly, this year brings a new update on
Toyota’s iconic 86 in the form of a performance
pack that includes Brembo brakes and Sachs
dampers (brands used in high-end racing, FYI),
and 17-inch alloy wheels. And for a little more
coin (still under $40K) you can add on special
trim and a rear spoiler for what we call
a serotonin upgrade. For the first time, the slick,
sexy and low-lying sports car also gets a sat nav
system, for spontaneous exploring.
The winning edge:Both these sporty beasts
boast a strong race heritage and a major cult
following, a starting price that gives change
back from $40k,Tokyo Drift-ready rear-wheel-
drive performance and wicked manual
gearboxes (if you’re three-pedal inclined).
Their naturally aspirated engines, when
opened up, beg to be aimed squarely for the
horizon, without a rear-view mirror glance.THE TOW N
&COUNTRY
TROPHY
BMW X2*
The X2 is what happens when the motoring
industry turns its hand to athleisure. And does
it well, very well. Despite being tagged as an
SUV, the X2 stands alone from its school-run
cousins – thanks to its compact size, low-lying
driving position, fast lines and signature
“bimmer” stamp on the C-pillar, the crossover
SUV gives the illusion of being a jacked-up
coupé. For those in hot-hatch rehab trying on
adulting for size, the X2 will take you there
without drifting into Stepford-life or losing street
cred (the paint selection is anything but
pedestrian – gold or sunset orange, anyone?).
Initally launched as an impressive two-wheel-
drive crossover SUV, which will take you far but
not everywhere, thankfully there’s now a brand
new all-wheel-drive diesel variant as well as
an entry-level model. So, with that in mind for
choice, plus space, comfort, BMW’s latest
infotainment tech (hello, optional wireless phone
charging) and that open-road stance, this is the
mini SUV road-tripping dreams are made of.
The winning edge:Unlike some of its larger
X siblings (including the X1, which is longer,
skinnier and higher), the X2 feels like a true
BMW – it zips, pings, points and shoots.FROM
$49,900
1.5L
3CL
103KW
220NM
6.3L/100KMMAZDA
MX-5RFFROM
$38,550, 2.0L,
4CL, 118KW,
200NM,
7.0L/100KM
TOYOTA 86
GT FROM
$31,440 ($34,340
WITH THE
PERFORMANCE KIT),
2.0L, 4CL, 152KW,
212NM,
8.4L/100KM