Japanese style packs some European grunt in the Toyota GR Supra Pro

It’s very rare you get a car to review and then get to use it for the exact purpose it was made.

In the past Lexus’ have been used to move homes (don’t tell Lexus), Vauxhall Insignia’s for trips to IKEA (don’t tell Vauxhall).

But for me, this grand tourer was heaven sent. A week-long excursion across the country to Tenby awaited, using motorways, B-roads and all in between.

PlayStation Gran Turismo fans rejoice – the Toyota Supra is back after 25 years… and it’s the warmest of South Walian welcomes.

Yes, it’s got history this one – an affordable supercar that could take on the the Porsche Cayman 718 or Nissan GT-R. The new version is packed with Japanese engineering excellence, but also some European grunt.

That’s because Toyota decided they needed to partner up with BMW for prodigal son’s return – and the German masters supplied a single turbo 3.0-litre straight six which is akk you’ll need for your 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds.

Being experts at this engine lay out – and with a limited top speed of 155mph – it easily has enough speed to glide past most Audis or Merecdes.

Of course I won’t need all that power and acceleration for a trip to South Wales.

The new Toyota Supra looks good from all angles
(Image: from https://media.toyota.co.uk/)

All I needed was just enough space for a case or two in the back plus car that handled well on whatever the M4 corridor had to throw at us.

I got both. It’s even got an eight-speed gearbox, seems welded to the road whether you’re on a motorway, on an A-road or even trying it out on the beach (don’t tell Toyota…).

But with the good points of importing a top engine, comes a few draw backs…

I wasn’t bowled over by generic supercar cockpit number 1A but it had everything I needed with a competent Sat Nav, wireless charging tray and leather steering wheel – albeit very reminiscent of a BMW.

Thankfully on the road the Supra really comes alive
(Image: from https://media.toyota.co.uk/)

But Toyota have completely re-engineered everything around the engine and transmission, creating an excellent driving experience. Despite a little lag through the gear changes it’s still agile and balanced.

Despite being low to the ground I had a good driving position in heated and ventilated sports seats.

Being too young to really remember the Supra in it’s pomp I didn’t pick up on the lack of individuality in this version. However Supra fans from way back may well do exactly that.