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Best sports car $62,000-$125,000

The Supra name returns to the Toyota stables after a 17-year absence.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am

Toyota’s new and highly anticipated GR Supra GTS emerged with the winning crown in the high-end sports category.

Winner: Toyota GR Supra GTS

Variant: GTS
Engine: 3.0 litre turbo petrol
Transmission: 8-speed auto
ANCAP Safety Rating: Not yet available

Performance-oriented hardware includes 19-inch forged alloys with 35-series Michelin rubber.
Performance-oriented hardware includes 19-inch forged alloys with 35-series Michelin rubber.

Runners up

Second place went to the Volkswagen Golf R and the Kia Stinger GT placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest?

The Supra has a premium build and finish quality. There’s a refined look and feel to its interior, right down to the switch gear and iDrive-style infotainment system controls. That makes it easy for the driver to interact with – something the VW and Kia were also praised for.

The Supra’s ergonomics were found wanting, with most judges complaining that entry and egress was awkward and led to head knocks on its low-slung roof-line, but the body-hugging sports seats have adjustable bolsters and are as good as you’ll find in this class.

Though co-developed with BMW, Toyota’s engineers have stamped their own hallmark on powertrain, suspension tuning and, of course, on the exterior styling.

Key features

  • Stunning performance from the silky turbo 3.0 litre engine
  • Precise steering and handling
  • Body-hugging sports seats
  • Dual climate control
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Auto emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
Judges were impressed by the Supra's on-road skills.
Judges were impressed by the Supra’s on-road skills.

What it’s like to drive

With 250kW, 500Nm and a lightweight body (1495kg), performance from the silky turbo 3.0 litre engine is stunning. The 8-speed auto delivers ratio changes that are lightning quick and intuitive, with manual shifts via the paddles offering no discernible benefit for most driving situations. Precise steering and handling from the rear-drive Supra impressed the judges and retained that sweet chassis balance that comes from a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

Sports cars $62,000-$125,000Toyota Supra GTSVolkswagen Golf RKia Stinger GT
Pricing388
Cost of depreciation ($)6109
Running & repair costs311
Fuel consumption641
Warranty & dealer access879
Insurance499
Standard features667
Safety978
Enviroment665
Seating comfort877
Ergonomics788
Build & finish quality877
Performance877
Ride777
Handling786
Braking877
Overall average714700684

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

Check out the other winners of Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2018.

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See the full lineup

Check out the full list of $62,000 – $125,000 sports cars we put to the test in 2019.

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