Lauren

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

I think I must be going mad, but it was reassuring to know I was not the only one when my 6am alarm went off this morning. Time for another Sunday drive. This time I had Richard from RRG Macc' out with me in their black GR Yaris demonstrator, Mark in my old GT86 along with his friend from work in a Golf GTI. As we headed out on the M56 from Manchester Airport, in the pouring rain and held a steady speed in all the standing water that was there, I pondered to myself, that this is absolute madness. As it transpired the GR Yaris took it in its stride, though Mark in the GT86 was having a few wake up calls trying to drive in a straight line. As we neared our rendezvous with Richard, I was seriously reconsidering why I had had such a bright idea to go out in these conditions. It was certainly hardcore. I reassured the convoy that things would improve as we headed down the A49 as it we emerged into daylight. I'd also pointed out that there would be no heroics and reminded all to take it easy.
 
As it turns out things did get better as we neared Whitchurch McDonald's for our breakfast stop, though it was all somewhat relative. Breakfast helped though and it when off in the direction of Market Drayton for the Eccleshall Loop. I had my car in track mode, stability on considering the conditions. My car felt so surefooted which was reassuring and I found I could launch it out of the corners, getting on the power earlier than I felt would have been reasonable. Mark at the back in my old GT86, was having a whole different kind of fun! To be fair, there was no way this was ever going to be more than a brisk drive in places and I still have to consider that I haven't yet driven my car in the dry. This car does give you confidence though. Traction is absolute and though I had the front wheels perhaps edging into clawing their way into the tarmac, it was nearly always surprising in the manner in which the car could be fired through the apex and just tear down the next straight. I would normally of course be looking for some really fast long radius bends, where I could properly load up the chassis, but in today's conditions this was neither the time or the place and caution as they say wins.
 
After losing Mark and his friend when they went the wrong way when we joined the M6 it was just the two GR Yaris for the drive back to Wilmslow. We took the back roads of course though inevitably there was the odd horse box and duffer along the way. Now we were two cars rather than four overtaking was a lot easier. There were a couple of times, when I went to overtake one car, only to think I may as well take the next as well. Getting to 6K rpm now I've got 500 miles on the clock, you can really make the car fly. The jet like sound from the exhaust as the revs climb to six thousand, does a bit addictive I admit.
 
Overall in these difficult times where going out for a drive is about all you can, do much fun was had. So much so that my friend from Toyota is now buying his own GR Yaris and it only took a day with the demonstrator for him to do that! This car does impress. I am now contemplating what it might be like come warm and dry roads. My alarm for the summer on a Sunday is going to be very early indeed! 
 

 

 

Seems to work quite well on snow with some suitable tyres!
 

Yeah, the B48 definitely won't fit where the FA24 does without a lot of work. Also fitting a BMW lump into a Subaru chassis seems a bit of a jump.

@KobayashiMaru good review. It's got a 50L tank btw, same as a GT86. it think it is a bit more thirsty than the GT though, but more power requires more fuel. I'm averaging about 21.5mpg But once I have done a 1000 miles, I'll be sitting on the motorway at 60 with the radar cruise on lane trace assist and I'm sure I'll get some back. 
It is hugely competent isn't it? I've done a 100 mile drive down the A49 to Whitchurch and back at 7am this morning. I was surprised at how I quickly became so confident in the car. Those 4S tyres really are amazing, but the tautness of the chassis really helps and the damping is very good. I ran in track mode first thing when it was still raining and did notice the front diff locking and a bit of understeer as I exited a roundabout. I then went to Sport mode and that sorted that issue. I got the car into a lovely flow over some crests and nice fast bends down the A49 and I must admit, I was really starting to flow. What I am loving is that the harder you push the car, the more it delivers. That I was grinning from ear to ear, told me all I wanted to know. 
I really doubt anything would stay with one of these down a sodden B road in darkest December.

They are. Should be available from about now. These tyres are just bonkers. I was only saying to Richard earlier that I could scarcely believe how much grip they had in wet and cold (3C) conditions chucking it down a country road at 8am on Sunday morning. They must be mega in the dry in summer! 
 

Interesting to hear peoples views that have now driven one. I feel coming from a GT86 we are spoilt with a very low seating position and feel some steering so are probably the harshest critics on this front. Everyone else probably wont find fault. Also the seating position you get used to. I never used to think  our daily clio was a high driving position until I got the 86. Now it feels like you are getting into a transit van
 
@Lauren I think you made the best colour choice as flat white suits the car down to the ground, yours looks stunning  
 
Best time of the year for this car too. Went out for a drive myself yesterday and the roads are so greasy and slippery my 86's tail was all over the shop, I bet the 4wd compact yaris is a riot and claws itself around 

I had a call from the dealer I purchsed my GT86 from to say they had a demo car. But as delivery is now june 2021 told him I'd wait to see what the next 86 is like.
He informed me that it was getting the 2,0 engine from the Supra

They are. Should be available from about now. These tyres are just bonkers. I was only saying to Richard earlier that I could scarcely believe how much grip they had in wet and cold (3C) conditions chucking it down a country road at 8am on Sunday morning. They must be mega in the dry in summer! 
 

@KobayashiMaru good review. It's got a 50L tank btw, same as a GT86. it think it is a bit more thirsty than the GT though, but more power requires more fuel. I'm averaging about 21.5mpg But once I have done a 1000 miles, I'll be sitting on the motorway at 60 with the radar cruise on lane trace assist and I'm sure I'll get some back. 
It is hugely competent isn't it? I've done a 100 mile drive down the A49 to Whitchurch and back at 7am this morning. I was surprised at how I quickly became so confident in the car. Those 4S tyres really are amazing, but the tautness of the chassis really helps and the damping is very good. I ran in track mode first thing when it was still raining and did notice the front diff locking and a bit of understeer as I exited a roundabout. I then went to Sport mode and that sorted that issue. I got the car into a lovely flow over some crests and nice fast bends down the A49 and I must admit, I was really starting to flow. What I am loving is that the harder you push the car, the more it delivers. That I was grinning from ear to ear, told me all I wanted to know. 
I really doubt anything would stay with one of these down a sodden B road in darkest December.

@will300 just read your review. I've done about twice the miles you have, though for some reason everyone and their dog seemed to be on the roads today. I'm going to wait a bit to do a review as I want to gather my thoughts more fully. I totally agree about the engine. It is impressive in that it feels a lot quicker than you expect it to be. So much so that when I overtook some duffer in second gear, I was surprised at the manner in which it gathered pace. I have not really been north of 5500rpm, but that engine loves to rev. I actually like the sound you get when inside the car, whether synthetic or otherwise. It has a very business like tone and you can hear the turbo venting to atmosphere when you attune to it. 
When I pulled out of RRG the steering felt very light, but it weighted up nicely at speed. I agree it doesn't seem to have the feel of the GT86, though mine is razor sharp with the poly bushes on it. I feel it's very much good enough though. 
I too found the seating position very high after getting out of the GT86, though I think that the GT is so low means it's a bit all relative. But like you I soon grew accustomed to it and then you don't notice it. The driving position is comfortable enough with the seats offering a similar level of support to the GT. I also found heel and toeing easy enough but you have to be on the brakes. I actually liked the brake feel, though this may be optimised more with a different pad. I have purposefully not been that hard on the brakes yet. My car has 73 miles on the clock! 
I have tried the different modes and you can feel it if you switch between them. I have not yet pushed hard, but driving down a greasy and wet B-road with mud on it, the car dealt with the conditions with absolute aplomb. The damping I agree feels really good. Ride is good enough and it is more refined than the GT/BRZ. 
Overall (maybe as I've bought one) I'd rate it higher than Will, but I probably got more opportunity to push it a bit harder on some twisty B-roads. I must say as soon as I dispatched the duffer I got into some S-Bends and wow the car quickly came alive. A glance at the speedo told me I was well north of the national speed limit. I think this car is very well sorted and the harder you work it, the better it gets. That's what I think it is going to be like. 1 minute of starting to really get it to flow down a deserted wet and sometimes muddy B road, made me think that not much would be able to keep up with it. It really does inspire confidence. I don't think the GT86 would have handled those kind of conditions with such aplomb. I know already I will have to push a fair bit harder to find its limits. 
Trackday booked at Blyton for 31st January.

Picked mine up today.
Still  grinning from ear to ear. I was genuinely shocked at how quick it feels and I haven't been near  the redline yet, though got closer  than I intended purely because it revved way quicker than I expected. The brakes have a great feel to them. heel and toeing is fine but you need to be on the brakes a bit, so not quite as easy as the GT86. Traction is pretty much absolute, but I haven't pushed it as my first drive was down a wet and fairly muddy B-road, but it is very confidence inspiring. 
I can't wait to get to know it better.
Richard kindly organised for Mark, Jane and Alec to be there to greet me when I arrived. It was lovely to see them and great to have a chat and have a good look  at the car. 
 

News in, from Richard. Mine should be arriving at RRG Macc today. Arranged Saturday pick up.

@Kodename47 I think you need to go to Specsavers. 🤣

@will300 just read your review. I've done about twice the miles you have, though for some reason everyone and their dog seemed to be on the roads today. I'm going to wait a bit to do a review as I want to gather my thoughts more fully. I totally agree about the engine. It is impressive in that it feels a lot quicker than you expect it to be. So much so that when I overtook some duffer in second gear, I was surprised at the manner in which it gathered pace. I have not really been north of 5500rpm, but that engine loves to rev. I actually like the sound you get when inside the car, whether synthetic or otherwise. It has a very business like tone and you can hear the turbo venting to atmosphere when you attune to it. 
When I pulled out of RRG the steering felt very light, but it weighted up nicely at speed. I agree it doesn't seem to have the feel of the GT86, though mine is razor sharp with the poly bushes on it. I feel it's very much good enough though. 
I too found the seating position very high after getting out of the GT86, though I think that the GT is so low means it's a bit all relative. But like you I soon grew accustomed to it and then you don't notice it. The driving position is comfortable enough with the seats offering a similar level of support to the GT. I also found heel and toeing easy enough but you have to be on the brakes. I actually liked the brake feel, though this may be optimised more with a different pad. I have purposefully not been that hard on the brakes yet. My car has 73 miles on the clock! 
I have tried the different modes and you can feel it if you switch between them. I have not yet pushed hard, but driving down a greasy and wet B-road with mud on it, the car dealt with the conditions with absolute aplomb. The damping I agree feels really good. Ride is good enough and it is more refined than the GT/BRZ. 
Overall (maybe as I've bought one) I'd rate it higher than Will, but I probably got more opportunity to push it a bit harder on some twisty B-roads. I must say as soon as I dispatched the duffer I got into some S-Bends and wow the car quickly came alive. A glance at the speedo told me I was well north of the national speed limit. I think this car is very well sorted and the harder you work it, the better it gets. That's what I think it is going to be like. 1 minute of starting to really get it to flow down a deserted wet and sometimes muddy B road, made me think that not much would be able to keep up with it. It really does inspire confidence. I don't think the GT86 would have handled those kind of conditions with such aplomb. I know already I will have to push a fair bit harder to find its limits. 
Trackday booked at Blyton for 31st January.

@Lauren I'd seen in a few places saying it was 36L, even the dealer said it was something like that so that's not too bad then. Think if I had more time with Sport mode I'd have gelled with it more. Track probably suits me more and I've been in mostly front wheel drives lately and unlearning some of that within the hour was interesting. It's a car you want to explore and peel back the layers and discover more with every drive. Some cars you get in and you know all it can do quite quickly and it gets dull even though it's quick (like a Golf R) but it's so competent, you can drive at 80% fairly easily and the last 20% is the fun bit to find. I noticed it would always understeer first before the rear comes round, each mode slightly different which is fine. Can left foot brake in these which is something I've not tried in years so re-learning that would be nice to do.

It's seriously tempting and has so much potential.

@KobayashiMaru good review. It's got a 50L tank btw, same as a GT86. it think it is a bit more thirsty than the GT though, but more power requires more fuel. I'm averaging about 21.5mpg But once I have done a 1000 miles, I'll be sitting on the motorway at 60 with the radar cruise on lane trace assist and I'm sure I'll get some back. 
It is hugely competent isn't it? I've done a 100 mile drive down the A49 to Whitchurch and back at 7am this morning. I was surprised at how I quickly became so confident in the car. Those 4S tyres really are amazing, but the tautness of the chassis really helps and the damping is very good. I ran in track mode first thing when it was still raining and did notice the front diff locking and a bit of understeer as I exited a roundabout. I then went to Sport mode and that sorted that issue. I got the car into a lovely flow over some crests and nice fast bends down the A49 and I must admit, I was really starting to flow. What I am loving is that the harder you push the car, the more it delivers. That I was grinning from ear to ear, told me all I wanted to know. 
I really doubt anything would stay with one of these down a sodden B road in darkest December.

@KobayashiMaru good review. It's got a 50L tank btw, same as a GT86. it think it is a bit more thirsty than the GT though, but more power requires more fuel. I'm averaging about 21.5mpg But once I have done a 1000 miles, I'll be sitting on the motorway at 60 with the radar cruise on lane trace assist and I'm sure I'll get some back. 
It is hugely competent isn't it? I've done a 100 mile drive down the A49 to Whitchurch and back at 7am this morning. I was surprised at how I quickly became so confident in the car. Those 4S tyres really are amazing, but the tautness of the chassis really helps and the damping is very good. I ran in track mode first thing when it was still raining and did notice the front diff locking and a bit of understeer as I exited a roundabout. I then went to Sport mode and that sorted that issue. I got the car into a lovely flow over some crests and nice fast bends down the A49 and I must admit, I was really starting to flow. What I am loving is that the harder you push the car, the more it delivers. That I was grinning from ear to ear, told me all I wanted to know. 
I really doubt anything would stay with one of these down a sodden B road in darkest December.

Test drove one yesterday unaccompanied for about an hour. It's the demo so was encouraged to give it a good go. Grip great even with traction control off and as Lauren says it's absolute. It's been setup to be as grippy as possible and feels quite a serious car which is cool. Not as lairy as Evo's and Subaru's of old unless you really provoke it. But look at how modern WRC cars go through a stage and it makes sense why. Went through sections I'd be feathering the throttle in other cars, this was flat and quite a bit faster. Track Mode is the mode I enjoyed most. Sport I felt I'd want more space to see it slide about but it's the demo so wasn't going to be silly. Normal just feels like a FWD hatch with an LSD that rotates a bit quicker. The Michelin PS4S tyres are as amazing as the press say. I run the standard PS4 tyres on other cars and recently had some new ones and thought they must've revised the compound as it was better again. The PS4S though is like witchcraft. Once they were warm, even in the wet with traction off there was barely a hint of wheel spin.
Brakes were awesome,  Pedals for heel and toe could be better but easy enough and easier when you're really on the brakes. Does mean you can probably drive in boots easily. Having big feet, some cars I have to wear smaller shoes. It has rev matching but is too slow. It loves full throttle corner exits & higher speed bends. Plant it and go. In-gear it's pretty quick. Turbo boosts well, drops off at higher speeds but it's a 1.6 so to be expected but it's quick where it matters which is a big plus for me.
Does like a drink though. When I gave it back it was on 15mpg and I expected it to be low. But the lowest I saw was 9mpg. With only a 36L tank, if you drove like that all the time that's barely 100 miles to a tank. Still has to run in though and don't know if it was on super unleaded. Still seemed pretty good for a new engine. I'd seen Litchfield and others from a brand new engine are seeing higher figures than it's supposed to which is good. The tuners are going to love it though. The intake could be a lot bigger and I'm not surprised they've seen 300bhp+ from it already.

I only had it an hour but it's confidence inspiring from the off, a feeling I also got from the Type-R. Once I adjusted to the 4WD and got used to the power moving about it was great and I felt pretty comfortable with it and think it would be quite satisfying to find all it could do, which is what I'm looking for next. Steering feel isn't as sharp as a Type-R or a tweaked GT86 but it's OK. Lot better than most cars. It's expectedly small in the back, may get a bike in with the wheel off but doesn't feel that small to drive and the headunit screen I didn't noticed once I was actually driving.

Dealer said most are getting it for £495 down and £495/mth for 4yrs. It's a chunk of money but when Honda and others offer nothing like those figures it's very tempting. For me it may have to be a 2nd car, but I also have the bike for fun so would take some man maths to justify. I don't do much mileage these days so there's that. It's also a 9mth waiting list.

@will300 just read your review. I've done about twice the miles you have, though for some reason everyone and their dog seemed to be on the roads today. I'm going to wait a bit to do a review as I want to gather my thoughts more fully. I totally agree about the engine. It is impressive in that it feels a lot quicker than you expect it to be. So much so that when I overtook some duffer in second gear, I was surprised at the manner in which it gathered pace. I have not really been north of 5500rpm, but that engine loves to rev. I actually like the sound you get when inside the car, whether synthetic or otherwise. It has a very business like tone and you can hear the turbo venting to atmosphere when you attune to it. 
When I pulled out of RRG the steering felt very light, but it weighted up nicely at speed. I agree it doesn't seem to have the feel of the GT86, though mine is razor sharp with the poly bushes on it. I feel it's very much good enough though. 
I too found the seating position very high after getting out of the GT86, though I think that the GT is so low means it's a bit all relative. But like you I soon grew accustomed to it and then you don't notice it. The driving position is comfortable enough with the seats offering a similar level of support to the GT. I also found heel and toeing easy enough but you have to be on the brakes. I actually liked the brake feel, though this may be optimised more with a different pad. I have purposefully not been that hard on the brakes yet. My car has 73 miles on the clock! 
I have tried the different modes and you can feel it if you switch between them. I have not yet pushed hard, but driving down a greasy and wet B-road with mud on it, the car dealt with the conditions with absolute aplomb. The damping I agree feels really good. Ride is good enough and it is more refined than the GT/BRZ. 
Overall (maybe as I've bought one) I'd rate it higher than Will, but I probably got more opportunity to push it a bit harder on some twisty B-roads. I must say as soon as I dispatched the duffer I got into some S-Bends and wow the car quickly came alive. A glance at the speedo told me I was well north of the national speed limit. I think this car is very well sorted and the harder you work it, the better it gets. That's what I think it is going to be like. 1 minute of starting to really get it to flow down a deserted wet and sometimes muddy B road, made me think that not much would be able to keep up with it. It really does inspire confidence. I don't think the GT86 would have handled those kind of conditions with such aplomb. I know already I will have to push a fair bit harder to find its limits. 
Trackday booked at Blyton for 31st January.