[bigbcraig]

I feel like this car really isn't designed to compete with the Mustang / Genesis / Z, but instead people were on target comparing it to the new Si and the GTI, and perhaps the MX-5.
The FR-S isn't going to be big on power but instead will be a sharp-handling, cheap car. The insurance shouldn't be anywhere near the newer powerful coupes. Furthermore, the FR-S is supposed to me much smaller than them - like 11" shorter than the GC right?
So the way I see it is as an entry-level performance car, similar to the Si and GTI - something that has to be pretty practical and drivable, that's exciting but not so fast it'll be a ticket magnet, have really high insurance, or really low mileage.


So, lets just imagine there was a magazine comparison between the GTI, new Si, FR-S, and perhaps the Miata. (Based on my experiences driving each of GTI, last-gen Si, and MX-5 a little)

The Si has 201hp and 170hp. It drives quite well, feels surprisingly light and flingable, and isn't too unrefined to drive others in. It costs about $22,500.

The GTI has a torquier turbo motor, a much nicer interior, and feels pretty heavy for its size and a bit number than the Si. Probably just a bit slower in a drag race but feels more planted overall driving and passengers will probably be impressed with the interior. Costs about $24,000. Has a reputation of being not entirely reliable.

The Miata starts at $23,100 but to get an LSD, better dampers, and a 6 speed, you'd need a Touring that costs $25,500. It's a little slower than the first two and is way smaller inside, with little practicality for carrying your stuff or passengers. On the other hand, it drives like a dream - more precise than the other two, very very rarely feels like a cheap chassis like both the Si and GTI do sometimes, and is really balanced plus driving RWD at even a slightly enthusiastic manner feels better as the chassis feels it's helping you instead of trying to slow you down with understeer (or at least push) and wheelspin (or at least non-confidence-inspiring shimmying as it runs out of grip) exiting corners.

-So, the Miata drives great but loses the comparison because it really isn't practical enough for anyone but a hardcore enthusiast to have as their only car.
-The Civic is a bit cheaper, sharper, and quicker. Probably a better choice for the person who wants to autocross more than enjoy cruising down the highway and impress people with their car.
-The GTI is more comfortable, has a really impressive interior, and a little more expensive. It drives really nice up to 8/10s or so where it feels soft and heavy. The turbo motor means cheap, refined power. Best for the person who will spend a little more money for a nicer everyday drive, and would rather have lots of power, man, and impress people with their nice interior but is less likely to enter in competition with the car.

The way I see it, the FT has just a few options.
*It has to drive really well: crisp and precise, balanced, and without murmurs of cheapness in the chassis. Seeing as the chassis has been in development for several years by two big companies, this has to be accomplished and is pretty plausible.

*It has to be practical. The rear seats don't need to hold anyone more than 30 minutes but for 2 it has to be comfortable for driving all day every day (equal to a civic or GTI, don't need a Benz here) and it needs the trunkroom for whatever you carry to work and moderate grocery shopping. I don't think this will be a 2nd car for many of the target audience. This is what drives me away from the MX-5.

*It has to have rock-solid reliability.

It can either be:
- cheap, at the most $21,000, drive really well, and lose a drag race with the Si and GTI by a little. Then, I think 180-200hp is OK but it has to have a great chassis, well-tuned suspension, and (to stick out from the Si, coupe=2877#), weigh under 2800#, if not high 26-low27xx.
^Wouldn't you take a slightly slower, slightly smaller Si if it felt balanced and RWD?, for the same price?

-The same or a smidgen more than the GTI, at the very most $25,xxx like the MX-5 Touring, and be a bit quicker than all the cars, feel great to drive, and be a pretty nice car to be inside (I'm thinking RX-8 interior - not plush, but not at all cheap looking. GTI would still be a bit nicer).
^Wouldn't you pay a small premium to have a sportier, slightly quicker car that is still everyday-practical and cheap to own?


The problem with the latter is that then it would be equal-price competing with a GC, and though the GC would have higher ownership costs (Lower mileage and higher insurance), people would be very tempted to step up to it.

It makes sense for this to be quite light and performance oriented, because the tC is already Scion's go-to answer for a slightly cheaper Civic that isn't really performance-minded but is an OK looking coupe and a bit different.

Tl;dr: I don't see the FR-S competing with the other coupes in the market, but with the entry-level sporty cars of the Civic Si, GTI, and perhaps Miata.