I wouldn't say that Toyota have blown this one, they have marketed this very well and it has seen JDM fan boys line up to Toyota showrooms around the country to lay down their deposits. Fact that their is a huge waiting list is testament to that! I believe however that the secondhand market place will be saturated with these things when they fall well short of expectations. So, if you're in the market for one, I'd wait 12 months and pick up a bargain.

In relation to the car itself, the base model's power to weight ratio (147kw's and 1200kg) is mediocre at best. Further, the base model has very little in the way of creature comforts which will see you loading it up with options, (which can add up to 85kg) and adding weight to the car takes away the fun factor which defeats it's intended purpose. The Rodney Jane spec tyre and wheel package is one of the worst aspects of the car when it comes down to visuals and will be the first thing enthusiasts and tuning houses will want to change. Wider wheels with more positive off set and tyres with more grip will make the car 'over-tyred' once again defeating it's purpose! The standard brakes are not worth a pinch of shit either and apparently fade after a handful of hard applications.

It's not as easy as just bolting a turbo to a factory N/A block and have the expectation that it is going to be reliable. Once you have strengthened the internals to cope with forced induction, bolting on a turbo and supporting modifications, suspension, new brake, tyre and wheel package, you'll be can easy double the initial purchase price. You may as well just go out and purchase a properly engineered performance car in the 60-80K price bracket and be done with it. From the factory, this really should have come equipped with an STI engine or an 180kw naturally aspirated screamer like what came as standard in the Honda S2000 13 years ago!!

These do come with man bags right?