  We first review the Coset Space Dimensional Reduction (CSDR) programme and
present the best model constructed so far based on the $\mathcal{N} = 1$,
$10$-dimensional $E_8$ gauge theory reduced over the nearly-K\"ahler manifold
$SU(3)/U(1)\times U(1)$ with the additional use of the Wilson flux mechanism.
Then we present the corresponding programme in the case that the extra
dimensions are considered to be fuzzy coset spaces and the best model that has
been constructed in this framework too. In both cases the best model appears to
be the trinification GUT $SU(3)^3$.
