DriveTimes Five

Fun-filled new cars

To some, cars are simply transport. Getting from A to B in the easiest, safest and most comfortable way possible. To others, they are so much more than that. These cars are not for that first group of people. This week we look at the five most engaging, involving, fun-filled new cars on sale in new Zealand. These are cars that make the simple act of driving on a winding road a pure joy. And, no, supercars weren’t allowed – they’re way too fast for this list.

Mazda MX-5

No surprise here, as the MX-5 has been a no-brainer on any list like this since the first-gen car was launched way back in 1989. The latest model takes a number of steps backwards that thrust it way forwards in terms of driver involvement, if you get what we mean. It’s smaller and lighter than the previous model, and that really shows on a winding back road. And of course, we’re about to see an Abarth version from Fiat. The MX-5 is unbelievably responsive, but perhaps its most convincing dynamic achievement is that it makes the next car on this list feel a bit porky and sluggish in comparison. Cost: $40,995-$48,995.

Toyota 86

The result of Toyota’s collaboration with Subaru (okay, Toyota gave Subaru a bunch of money and said ‘‘make us a sports car’’), the 86 is one of the most rewarding and engaging cars of recent times. One that comes in at a very reasonable price as well. Forget the bewinged upper level cars and the automatic (although it works well), the absolute base entry-spec car with the slick manual transmission is the way to go. It has everything you need to get the most enjoyment possible out of an 86 – three pedals, less weight, that fantastic chassis and brilliant steering. Cost: $46,986-$52,986.

Alfa Romeo 4C

This one is limited in availability and not exactly cheap, but while you don’t necessarily get a lot of equipment for the money, what you do get is probably the purest driving experience from a mainstream manufacturer available today. No, really! The little Alfa is bereft of pretty much anything that can get between the driver and seriously involving fun: don’t look for power steering, sound insulation or sensible ergonomics. The steering wheel and a direct link into the driver’s central nervous system are all that matter here. It would be an utter pain to drive on a daily basis, but there are few cars better at driving to a track day, being thrashed for hours and then being driven home again. Cost: $129,990.

Porsche 718

Purists may have decried the Boxster as a hairdressers car when it first appeared, but now that the 911 is settling happily into slightly flabby middle age (calm down, it’s still fantastic), Porsche has honed its Boxster and Cayman into sharp little tools. The addition of the turbo fourcylinder boxer engine to the newly rechristened ‘718’ range has only added to the dynamic appeal, with a brilliantly rorty soundtrack and less weight, not to mention the wonderful history of four-cylinder Porsches. Yes, this is the closest thing in the Porsche range to the classic 356. Cost: $123,900-$155,500.

Ford Fiesta ST

While there are more powerful Ford hatches (Focus ST and RS) and more legendary performance cars (Mustang, obviously), none of them can touch the feisty little Fiesta ST when it comes to involving, engaging and entertaining behaviour. The cheapest and only FWD car on this list, the Fiesta ST still easily foots it with anything else when it comes to sheer fun on a winding backroad. Its cheerful, excited-puppy-like dynamics never get old. Amazingly accurate steering, a mind-blowingly nimble chassis and an eager little engine are the Fiesta ST’s strong points. What else do you really need? Cost: $34,990.