THE quest for quietness, the crusade against consumption, the scramble for safety and the race for refinement have conspired to jettson much of the joy from driving.

Even cars marketed as sporty often miss the mark for driver involvement or are so over-capable that they only become satisfying when taken to the ragged edge of their abilities.

This usually means risking life and license on the public road or paying to participate in a track day, rendering the daily commute even more frustrating and dull than it would be in a cheaper, more rational alternative.

Subaru and Toyota collaborated to turn this concept on its head with the rear-drive BRZ and 86 coupes – but has it paid off?