I think what Max fails to realise is that many of the guys here are mates with people on the OzMazda forum, and many of us are members there too. There is a healthy rivalry and yes early on the Mazda boys believed they were quicker (thanks to some 'clever' journalism), but they have been proven wrong time and again and now accept that it IS a real challenge to beat the Sportivo. Every time there is a joint meet up it is the same result, the Sportivo comes out on top. Sure the car in not as refined and 'nice' to sit in, but that's not the point, the Sportivo is a car that is all about one thing... it's engine... and it's a little ripper!!! :D
It is a car designed to be driven well, it takes time to learn to drive 'properly' in it too... why don't you come out to one of the meets and see for yourself just what can be done?