+1 it's very good at 7/10ths on factory all seasons, stock dampers are a bit wallowy but that's how you get a comfy ride at a $20k price point, 8/10ths and I started to get a bit nervous. I'd love to toss some Koni yellows on it, play with the alignment (very similar looking front strut to an 86 up front, should be able to get some camber), and with some summer tires it should be pretty damn capable, engine is just a touch of a let down for the weight but revs about 2.5k higher than you think it should which feels silly in a good way wringing it out. It might fall apart on stock springs and 200tw though. idk if it has 'character' it feels about as unique as an FRS does imho fwiw. Oh and apparently it fits 9.5" wide wheels without much modification.
I could see a case for an Si competitor (especially since the Si isn't a hatch) with that 3 banger, an LSD, and a firmer suspension package. But you can already option it up to $26k so I don't think they can make the price point to actually compete with the Si. They'll have to make it great at that $30k Veloster N benchmark, it's certainly possible but it will take work.
Plenty of good reviews on the chassis already.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zhyMMA...d=6t4tp3x8b4vt