We review the Toyota GT86 from price to economy and all its features
TOYOTA are the world’s biggest car firm thanks to churning out dependable workhorses Auris, Yaris, Avensis and Prius.
But they fear that might no longer be enough to keep them No1.
Toy racer ... the Toyota GT 86
So never mind the Yaris, they wanted something that kicks ass.
Sensible has made way for sensational and this is it... the much-awaited GT86.
When Toyota boss Akio Toyoda unveiled the car last year he said: “All car lovers have been waiting for this kind of car.”
He was right.
This is a G & T which, for Toyota, is so refreshing... and equally intoxicating.
It’s a return to the good old days for the firm that produced cult sporty classics like the Supra and Celica.
Design has been inspired by the Toyota 2000GT from the 60s and more recently, the early 80s rear-wheel drive drifting sensation Corolla GT AE86, from which the GT86 takes its name.
It’s aggressive with narrow but piercing werewolf headlamps and gaping mesh grille — it growls at you like a wild animal about to devour it’s prey.
The profile is athletic and rear haunches hint of Porsche and Jaguar. This is a kids’ dream Toy car... but this is reality.
The new coupé is the first lovechild of an intriguing joint development project between Toyota and Subaru.
That’s like Prince William and Harry going on a night out — and Harry getting to choose the drinks.
The GT86’s exterior styling and product planning was taken care of by Toyota, while Subaru supplied most of the parts — chassis, engine, transmission, brakes and suspension — that make the car so much fun to drive.
The firms cleverly combined Toyota’s direct injection system with Subaru’s 2litre boxer engine to produce a cleaner, more efficient and effective powerplant.
It delivers 197bhp and with manual gearbox hits 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 140mph.
Yet it still is capable of returning a reasonable mid30-miles-per-gallon fuel economy. The secret to the success of this car lies in the world-first rear-wheel drive boxer engine layout, with a choice of Subaru Impreza-inspired six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes and F1-type steering wheel paddles.
The GT 86 is a two-plus-two, but don’t expect even Ronnie Corbett to be comfortable in the back, stating any kind of legroom would incur the wrath of the Trade Descriptions Act.
However the rest of the cockpit has cool and comfort in equal measure.
Front seats are supportive and comfy, pedal positions are perfectly set, and visibility is good all round.
The red leather two-tone trim adds the necessary dose of dynamic.
On our drive on road and track here in Barcelona, the GT86 had a distinct racy sound and flavour of Subaru burbling through the cabin.
But frustratingly it’s a Yorkshire terrier — its bark is worse than its bite.
The four-cylinder engine delivers adequate oomph but under heavy acceleration could do with a great deal more punch and torque.
It’s fast but lacks the true guts and grunt to live up to its looks.
The GT86 feels light on the Tarmac, and its ride is firm but not harsh.
Turn-in is sharp and precise and body roll minimal. Grip levels are higher than expected, it’s phenomenal fun with a capital F. This car is a blast to drive and without doubt injects some much-needed adrenalin to a sensible model range.
However, I can’t help but want a bit more power to live up to the style prowess. I’m sure that Toyota will add the bhp to give you more bang for your bucks.
And that brings me neatly to the greatest aspect of my new favourite Toy. The price is also a pleasant surprise.
It actually starts at £24,995 for manual and £26,495 for auto. That’s a steal for one of the top 10 cars of 2012.
In truth, its biggest rival will be its half- brother, Subaru BRZ, which arrives later in the year with same mechanicals, similar looks and price.
But the Toyota/Subaru mix definitely works — like a good G&T they taste great together. With the GT86, I expect Toyota to get drunk on success.