The Altezza concept was envisaged when Toyota decided to go head to head with the likes of BMW in the sports sedan market. This was expected, as sports sedans are commanding quite a bit of the market share with the decline of sports car sales. From what we experienced, Toyota has made a great effort. Many aspects of the car’s design make their intentions quite evident – they are going after the Europeans. One of the most notable is the fact that it’s RWD. Other similarities include the extremely short overhangs, the pronounced muscle on the bonnet and the positioning of the reverse gear in the upper left.

The Altezza possesses an aggressive and intimidating front end which flows into an attacking side profile, which still manages maintain an executive presence. Because of its short overhangs, the Altezza appears compact although it is a spacious vehicle. As with the latest generation of cars, it is a little tall, but it is hidden well in the design. This also facilitates an easy fitment of the attractive 17” wheels that come standard on the Z Edition, which we are featuring here. The rear is a tad bland, despite of the stylish “Altezza lights” that started a new wave of tail light design among auto manufacturers. A bit more attention could have been paid to the rear to really complete the car.

The interior has been extremely well designed and laid out, using very high quality materials, giving a welcomed and secure feeling. The dash was race car inspired, as can be seen with the circular dials and vents, and most certainly the chronographic cluster of meters. The pedals are all metal with matching door sills. It’s a perfect blend of sports car feel and executive sophistication – much like the feeling of the supportive but extremely comfortable seats.

Lifting the exceptionally heavy hood reveals a longitudinally mounted 2000cc VVT-i Beams tuned engine which produces 210bhp @ 7600rpm and 22.0kg-m of torque @ 6400rpm. The engine has been set way back in the engine bay. This is a good sign as it should positively affect the weight distribution.

The car is a pleasure to drive at any speed. As expected, the suspension is on par with its Lexus counterparts and absorbs the pot holes and humps like osmosis. The seating orientation is upright and alert. This coupled with the sloping hood gives a commanding view of the road ahead.

The car goes sideways with ease. The traction control system, although it does what it’s supposed to do, brings an abrupt end to the fun and seems to simply cut the power, instead of controlling the slide progressively. So we decided to take it off to give you an idea of the true potential of the car. Shucks! Unfortunate isn’t it? The things we have to do. Although the Altezza goes out of line easily the feeling is very controlled and smooth, due in part to the car’s weight, wheelbase and short overhangs. There was a bit of body roll experienced when cornering however, and the ride was a hint on the soft side but not totally disappointingly so. We must remember there is still a Dr. Jekyll to this Mr. Hyde. For really spirited driving a lower ride height and tighter suspension is recommended. With the assistance of the LSD, accelerating hard from a standstill is like a dart, but this is where the weight of the car is really highlighted – all 1360Kgs of it. It is easily felt up to about 4000prms and really limits the acceleration speed. Once the engine overcomes that inertia however the car is quite fast and becomes a serious force to reckon with. Fortunately the weight isn’t felt when braking as the car stops quickly. The ratios of the 6 speed gearbox are close on paper but not quite as close when driving, especially the first 2 gears. We suspect the weight of the car might have a lot to do with this. Up-shifting and down-shifting to 2^nd gear were not as intuitive as we might have liked and required a gentle touch when changing gear. Again this is minor and should be easily addressed after a little seat time.

So who says we can’t have our cake and eat it too? With good handling and braking, 4 doors, over 200bhp, a soft ride and a happy rear end, we have proof that there are exceptions to the rule.