It leaves little wonder when one of the largest carmaker in the world announces a new sports car project, it evokes the interest of discerning motorists around the globe. Especially so when the marque in question has been supplying (more appropriately, used to) churn out interesting, fun-loving versions of their mainstream offerings.
The marque in question: Toyota. And for those who are still pondering about the relationship between the 86 and the look-alike Subaru BRZ – the two cars were developed in a joint-collaboration, with very minor tweaks between them.
Exterior
The fresh sheet metal accentuates a sporty essence that is very unlike what we have grown accustomed to with the marque’s current stable. From the looks alone, it seems that Toyota has already succeeded in creating a sportscar with a differentiated aura, with flared arches and its front splitter. Even the exhaust tips are bored to 86mm to conform to its moniker numerics.
The marque in question: Toyota. And for those who are still pondering about the relationship between the 86 and the look-alike Subaru BRZ – the two cars were developed in a joint-collaboration, with very minor tweaks between them.
Exterior
The fresh sheet metal accentuates a sporty essence that is very unlike what we have grown accustomed to with the marque’s current stable. From the looks alone, it seems that Toyota has already succeeded in creating a sportscar with a differentiated aura, with flared arches and its front splitter. Even the exhaust tips are bored to 86mm to conform to its moniker numerics.
The ‘S’ trim is the base of the duo available for the Toyota 86 on our local shores (the other being ‘GS’). On the outside, it takes more than a keen pair of senses to spot the differences. Headlamps, for instance, loses the daytime-running LEDs and HID function. Alloys too are shrunk to a more diminutive 16-inch.
Interior
The 86’s innards are best described as a straightforward attempt to match form with function. There is no duplication of button functions – all of them entrusted to a sole motive.
Most notably, bits found in the 86 flows well with each other – and all aimed at providing a driver-centric experience that is nothing like those offered in its current lineup. The low-hinged sports seats, essentially a pair of body gloves, offer the lowest hip-point in any Toyota thus far. The deep foot-well and a perpendicularly upright steering also attribute to the spot-on driving position.
The 86’s innards are best described as a straightforward attempt to match form with function. There is no duplication of button functions – all of them entrusted to a sole motive.
Most notably, bits found in the 86 flows well with each other – and all aimed at providing a driver-centric experience that is nothing like those offered in its current lineup. The low-hinged sports seats, essentially a pair of body gloves, offer the lowest hip-point in any Toyota thus far. The deep foot-well and a perpendicularly upright steering also attribute to the spot-on driving position.
Still, this 86 has the ‘necessary’ bits that make it feel like a true sporting offering. However, among the costs-saving reductions in the interior, the most fondly missed is the digital speedometer which makes speed-adhering manoeuvres easier to track. Other missing features also include the silver-faced tachometer, frameless rear-view mirror and cruise control.
The octagonal wheelnut-styled knobs further bring out the sense of purposefulness in the cabin. While most of the parts feel solid to the touch, there are still hints of low-costs materials, such as the slightly flimsy gearknob cap.
Space wise, while front occupants will enjoy adequate head and leg space, the same cannot be said for the rear quarters. Like most 2+2 coupes, rear benches are best left for the occasional grocery shopping or kids due to the lack of leg space.
The Drive
Indubitably, it is the drive that stars the various attributes of the 86. The motives inherently point towards a driver-centric experience – for instance the low seating position, and the choice of a naturally-aspirated engine to ensure power delivery remains linear.
The powerplant too, is tuned for an engaging, high-revving nature. With most of the goods delivered higher up the rev range (peak power arrives at 7,000rpm, peak torque at 6,400rpm), it urges to be worked hard. As a result, the characterful howling from the 2.0-litre flat-four can be constantly enjoyed.
Toyota claims that the manual gearbox is the fruit of a thorough R&D and selection process which involves five prototypes. The end result is convincingly engaging, if not the most slick in its class.
Do not be coerced, however, into thinking that the 86 is any sort of a frenzied ride. Evident from the figures on paper, the 200bhp will ‘only’ suffice for a 7.6 century sprint. While the coupe will shy from competition on straight-line launches, it is at the bends that the car truly shines. The superb chassis setup, coupled with the spontaneous and direct steering, bestows the 86 with a sublime agility that few can match.
Indubitably, it is the drive that stars the various attributes of the 86. The motives inherently point towards a driver-centric experience – for instance the low seating position, and the choice of a naturally-aspirated engine to ensure power delivery remains linear.
The powerplant too, is tuned for an engaging, high-revving nature. With most of the goods delivered higher up the rev range (peak power arrives at 7,000rpm, peak torque at 6,400rpm), it urges to be worked hard. As a result, the characterful howling from the 2.0-litre flat-four can be constantly enjoyed.
Toyota claims that the manual gearbox is the fruit of a thorough R&D and selection process which involves five prototypes. The end result is convincingly engaging, if not the most slick in its class.
Do not be coerced, however, into thinking that the 86 is any sort of a frenzied ride. Evident from the figures on paper, the 200bhp will ‘only’ suffice for a 7.6 century sprint. While the coupe will shy from competition on straight-line launches, it is at the bends that the car truly shines. The superb chassis setup, coupled with the spontaneous and direct steering, bestows the 86 with a sublime agility that few can match.
That comes with a couple of compromises though. For instance, the lightweight construction means that the car has to do with minimal insulation – inherent from the road noise obtrusions.
Conclusion
After a long absence, Toyota has once again shown that they are still capable of making cars for the masses, offering a machine that is aimed at providing pure driving enjoyment.
I will cut to the chase and say like many others, the 86 leaves much to be desired. We would have loved more power (or torque for the matter), better cabin insulation, or bigger rims and tyres for looks, although any alterations to the afore-mentioned areas would have taken away the very essence of the 86.
The 86 is capable of making you go head over heels with its lag-free power delivery from its NA engine and impressively agile handling that’s blessed by its lightweight construction.
Bearing in mind that there are better (but also more expensive) cars out there in the market, we reckon the Toyota 86 is best at what it is.
Conclusion
After a long absence, Toyota has once again shown that they are still capable of making cars for the masses, offering a machine that is aimed at providing pure driving enjoyment.
I will cut to the chase and say like many others, the 86 leaves much to be desired. We would have loved more power (or torque for the matter), better cabin insulation, or bigger rims and tyres for looks, although any alterations to the afore-mentioned areas would have taken away the very essence of the 86.
The 86 is capable of making you go head over heels with its lag-free power delivery from its NA engine and impressively agile handling that’s blessed by its lightweight construction.
Bearing in mind that there are better (but also more expensive) cars out there in the market, we reckon the Toyota 86 is best at what it is.
