The only advantage of the Grand Touring is the engine. Otherwise, the same should hold true for the local 2.0R.

Some observations on how this will compare to local cars:

Honda Civic: the suspension issue they've noted is something I've talked about, but which few other local testers actually acknowledge... the rear end is total crap for performance driving. The Si version gets around this with a stiffer suspension, but I don't know how well it works firsthand..

Toyota Corolla: this test tells us very little about the local car. This is a Corolla on a sports suspension. But in part, this exposes the flaw in Toyota's suspension design philosophy... an over-reliance on hard springs, without properly matching shocks or anti-roll bars. I've noted this in the old Corolla... and the new one looks to be the same, but probably tuned five clicks softer than this American car.

Subaru Impreza: should largely be the same. Smaller engine on the local 2.0R will make it slower still, but suspension and handling should be similar... with better braking due to the lighter engine.

Mazda3: Impressions match mine... but the local 1.6 is tuned softer and feels less sporty (though the handling still handily trumps the Civic). Whether the updated 2.0R still drives like a champ remains to be seen, but from all indications, it's still good.