TOYOTA CELICA 2D LIFTBACK (1985-1994)
THE first front-drive Celica SX of '85 had excellent performance from a 103kW twin-cam engine and Prelude-beating space. Its blobbly '89-'94 successor gained handling, refinement and weight but lost its looks and power to become a coupe or hatchback version of the competent but dull Camry of the same era.

EUNOS 30 2D COUPE (1992-1997)
THE Eunos 30X has two-plus-two accommodation and comprehensive equipment including anti-lock brakes and airbag. The smooth, quad cam, 1.8-litre V6 engine has a power output of 100kW, giving performance similar to the Prelude, but only if there are plenty of revs. Today it's a bit of a '90s oddity.

HOLDEN CALIBRA 2D COUPE (1991-1995)
THE handsome Calibra can easily seat four adults. Its 110kW 2.0-litre, twin-cam engine provides adequate performance, but sounds strained at the limit. Auto models use an 85kW single cam version. On paper it looked the goods but below-par handling, ride and gearchange attributes detracted from its appeal.

MAZDA MX6 2D COUPE (1989-1991)
MAZDA also produced a sports coupe with four-wheel steering in the shape of the GD series MX-6 Turbo. Being 626 based, it seated four adults and offered ABS brakes. A non-4WS model lacked ABS. Extremely swift, the turbo 2.2 produces more power and torque than the chassis can handle, making it a real handful.