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
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
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-$125,000 | Toyota Supra GTS | Volkswagen Golf R | Kia Stinger GT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Cost of depreciation ($) | 6 | 10 | 9 |
| Running & repair costs | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel consumption | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Warranty & dealer access | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Insurance | 4 | 9 | 9 |
| Standard features | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Safety | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Enviroment | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Seating comfort | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Ergonomics | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Build & finish quality | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Performance | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Ride | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Handling | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Braking | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Overall average | 714 | 700 | 684 |
Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia