Look, at Carshop we're big fans of Japanese cars in general, their lightness and lightheartedness. We like the way they focus on driver enjoyment as opposed to being stoic, humourless and dare we say, a bit Teutonic. And that’s before you even get to the performance cars.
These aren’t necessarily the absolute best of them – but they’re the ones that caught my eye. And if you’re looking for your favourite JDM banger in this short list well, sorry – it’s my list, and I’ll concede, I could do a new one tomorrow with a completely different selection because as I said at the start, we love them. Here’s the list, and in no particular order;
Honda S2000
Peerless, revvy – the perfect sportscar provided you only require room for two people, max. Thanks to an 8,000rpm redline and sublime balance, few cars are as enthralling as the S2000. Can we get another please, dear Honda? This we ask on the S2000's 20th anniversary year.
Start your used Honda S2000 search here
Mazda MX-5
Much like the S2000 above but even lighter and subsequently with more alacrity. It isn’t quite as sharp to handle nor does it carry as severe a sting in its tail, rather the MX-5 is what all British Roadsters wanted to be. Just right, like the perfect cuppa tea.
Start your used Mazda MX-5 search here
Nissan GT-R
The R35 GT-R used to retail for a ball’s hair under a million rand when it debuted, now the same model brand new sells for over R2 million. And it’s still worth the price of admission for what is a saloon car with supercar performance. It is the most expensive car here but here it deserves to be.
Start your used Nissan GT-R search here
Toyota MR-2
Yes, the 86 can be had for a little bit more, and sure when you talk about performance Toyotas, badges such as the Supra and the Celica come to mind first. In Mzansi, even the RSI badge has more equity – but the midship mister two, like the MX-5 and S2000 above has phenomenal balance and engagement. And can be had for a bargain.
Start your used Toyota MR-2 search here
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Oh, how close this was between Subaru and Mitsubishi – but when it comes to unique selling points, who else has a Porsche-like flat motor in addition to everything else that makes the STI so special. That’s a boxy saloon body adorned with wings, vents and pink stickers. That’s what.
Start your used Subaru WRX STi search here
Bonus Ride: The Suzuki Swift Sport
A tiny, front-wheel driven hatchback – how did this get in here, you might ask? Well, it is perfection distilled into a minuscule format, over three generations. A finely honed hoonigan for someone who has a tiny spot on the driveway allocated for entertainment.
Start your used Suzuki Swift search here
