TORQUE GT ● BLOG
We're fortunate to have driven most flavours of JDM metal including popular models that can easily carry 4 passengers and a boot full of shopping. But when asked, will give performance cars a serious run for their money! Check our top 10 practical performance cars below...
Toyota Altezza
Being fairly light with over 200bhp as standard the Altezza is great option if you're in the market for an affordable, practical piece of JDM metal. With fantastic Toyota reliability they make for a great daily. Under the bonnet is a sweet, free revving Beams 3S-GE 2.0 power plant. Other features include a six speed manual plus it's rear wheel drive. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama, who was also responsible for the AE86 project!
Honda Accord CL7 Euro R
The CL7 Euro R is a superb all rounder. Exclusive to the Japanese domestic market this K20A powered saloon also shares the same gearbox as the DC5 Integra Type R and an LSD to help keep it tight in the corners. Not only does it perform exceptionally well but its affordable to purchase and run as a daily. Residual values are likely to remain very strong due to surprisingly few numbers available in Japan. Consequently its a car you're very unlikely to spot on UK roads!
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Wagon
The Sport Wagon variant of the WRX STi gives you a package that blends practicality and performance... What more could you want? Whether the tarmac is dry, wet or covered in snow, the EJ20 turbocharged engine mated to the legendary all wheel drive Impreza chassis helps this wagon cover ground at an alarming rate!
Toyota Crown
An increasingly popular model the Toyota Crown represents a number of 'under the radar' cars that are increasing in popularity. Those looking for a capable, practical and comfy cruiser, the Crown is an affordable option that will set its owner apart from the crowd!
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GT Wagon
When it comes to fast estate cars there's very few that can touch the performance of the Mitsubishi Evolution IX GT Wagon. Not only rapid in a straight line this 5 door missile destroys corners too! Availability is scarce in Japan which has kept values very strong with almost zero depreciation in the past 5 years.
Subaru Legacy BP5
Do you want an inconspicuous, practical car with serious performance? The Legacy is effectively two cars in one. With enough space to take your family and friends on a Euro road trip its easy to forget that it can give newer, more expensive cars a run for their money. The Legacy's symmetrical all wheel drive helps it cover ground at serious pace... A real wolf in sheeps clothing.
Subaru Forester STi
So... what if you live the rural lifestyle but also have petrol running through your veins? Do you need a car that can transport your family and dog with ease yet devour a stretch of tarmac when the mood takes you? The Subaru Forester STi is arguably the perfect car! Using the same recipe as the Impreza WRX STi its the perfect choice for someone who wants a more subtle and practical Impreza with the practicality of a large boot!
Toyota Aristo
When it comes to being practical, fast, luxurious and built like a tank the Aristo certainly makes a compelling arguement. Armed with the epic 2JZ engine shared with the Supra you can glide along effortlessly! Back in the day even Toyota's Chairman Hiroshi Okuda owned an Aristo as his personal car... VIP styling and high spec comfort combine with rear wheel drive and of course one of Japan's most iconic and tuneable engines makes them very hard to beat!
Subaru Impreza STi Hatchback
Occasionally a car is released that fails to receive the praise it deserves. The Hatch STI was one of those cars. At the time it seemed like it came and went without much more than a nod. Thankfully its making a come back and consequently orders for this model are at an all time high especially on models such as the Spec C. A blast to drive and offering surprising levels of refinement considering they're essentially a lightweight variant of the standard STI... plus the hatch shape makes them very practical.
Honda Civic FD2 Type R
The Civic Type R we all desired here in the UK! Japan kept this fantastic version of the Civic to themselves, whilst the FN2 was available to us, it never gained the same following of the JDM only FD2. We’re huge fans of the FD2. A true successor to the DC5, the chassis is so impressive and when coupled with an LSD it boasts handling that can only be described as epic. Being a 4 door saloon is just a practical bonus!
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