The Toyota 86 has been out for a few months now, has been getting rave reviews and awards across the board, and now the videos from the big car shows like Top Gear and 5th Gear are beginning to filter onto the internet.

These shows, and what they say, can literally make or break the launch buzz as a new car comes onto the market. This is ever more crucial when that car has been hyped as much as the Toyota 86. Most people that have been following the development rely on the opinions of "those in the know" before committing to beginning the paths to purchase. At $41,986, the base model Toyota 86 is very affordable, but the last thing anyone wants to do is spend money on a performance car that just does not perform. Is all of the hype justified? What will my friends think? Is this really what I am looking for? These are all very valid questions, and the first stage of this journey is to let the "professionals" do the talking.

First show of the grid, the UK's Fifth Gear.
If you are in a rush fast forward 30 seconds to get past the intro.

 Overall a very positive outcome and an endorsement. The final word from Fifth Gear presenter Jason Plato "This definitely feels like a car that has been designed for people that like driving........"

As Z is a Kiwi company, and after the hiss and a roar of the rebranding and $5000 Z Donation as a part of that process, the customers expect them to give back to local neighbourhoods again; to support the things that matter locally and to make a positive contribution right across New Zealand.

One of the ways they have decided to do this is through a programme unique to Z called Good in the Hood.

In 2013, every Z station will be giving away $5,000 to neighbourhood groups and projects which help people who need it. They have 210 stations, so that’s over $1 million across New Zealand to do good in the hood. This of course also includes our very own Z Bowater Motors in Motueka.