Toyota 86 Reviews

Craig Duff track tests and reviews the Toyota 86 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at the Fuji Speedway race track in Japan.

Peter Anderson road tests and reviews the Toyota 86 Blackline Edition with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Toyota 86 GTS with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The first sign of old age is the time it takes to get into, and out of, a sports car. It's measured in minutes, not seconds. The second sign is when you really think the automatic gearbox makes sense. Fact is, we're all getting older. Some look it more than others and the sadness is that while the exterior starts to

It's what an eager enthusiast demands -- and a supercharging perfectly fulfils the performance potential of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

Toyota is on its way to answering the cries for more performance from fans of its hugely successful 86 sports coupe, with the unveiling of a prototype of the model’s first factory performance upgrade this week.Simply comprised of larger 18 inch wheels with stickier tyres and uprated dampers on all corners -- and with no name or brand yet assigned to the package -- it truly is a toe in the water tuning effort with no benefit to power or acceleration.  But the kit promises improved grip and cornering stability, and the sharpened proportions of larger diameter wheels within the 86’s wheelarches. VALUEThe upgrade kit is yet to get the official green light for sale, and may still arrive as part of a more comprehensive enhancement package with interior and exterior upgrades across several international markets.However, 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada confirms that the wheel/tyre/damper combo has at least passed Toyota’s internal quality evaluation process, with availability now in the hands of the marketing department.Toyota are not prepared to discuss pricing as yet, but Tada-san confirmed plans for the kit to be available to both new and used 86 owners, suggesting it would be fitted at dealer level.We’d expect the wheel/tyre/damper package to be priced on the lighter side of the $7995 Subaru asks for the more aesthetically-focused S pack introduced for the (86 twin) BRZ recently, which counts lowered coil springs, a suspension tower bar and a manual shift-kit as its only mechanical upgrades. Even if the 86 package matched the BRZ S pack’s price, a so-optioned $29,990 86 GT manual would sneak within $40,000, which could make for a bargain-priced track warrior with a full manufacturer’s warranty.DESIGNThe prototype enhancement package specifically includes a set of enlarged 18 by 7.5 inch (up from the GT model’s 16x6.5 and GTS’s 17x7 standard specs) BBS forged alloy wheels with staggered width 215mm front and 225mm rear '86' branded Dunlop Direzza R-spec tyres (up from GT’s 205mm and GTS’ 215mm spec) , plus specifically tuned non-adjustable Sachs dampers on all corners. The 86’s standard  springs, swaybars, and suspension bushes are unchanged, but the new  wheels, tyres, and dampers have all been developed by Tada-san’s team to work in harmony with the existing hardware. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe enhanced 86’s 2.0 litre boxer petrol four is also unchanged from the existing production model, so produces the same 147kW at 7000rpm, and 205Nm between 6400-6600rpm, with a combination of direct and port injection.The characteristic boxer throb also remains, with a meaty intake and exhaust growl through the much of the rev-range before a 7400rpm redline. The prototype 86 was equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox option, but the chassis upgrades would be equally suited to automatic variants, which make up nearly half of all Australian 86 sales.SAFETYThe existing 86’s five-star ANCAP rating would be unaffected by these enhancements, with the current model’s list of safety features including dual front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, drivers knee bag, plus anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction and five-mode stability control.DRIVINGDriven back-to back with a standard manual 86 GTS, Tada-san’s subtle chassis enhancements have reigned in a significant degree of the 86’s playful character, with the expected higher grip threshold and the wider rear tyres reducing the 86’s tendency to oversteer.Tail movement is still there if you want, but requires more encouragement to induce, and is far more difficult to maintain throughout the corner. In other words, the grip levels now clearly exceed the driveline’s outputs, unlike the now-renowned balance of the standard car. Despite using standard swaybars front and rear, the Sachs dampers make a noticeable difference to bodyroll, particularly during rapid direction changes, and are well matched to the tyres’ extra grip.Our brief drive was over a closed circuit designed to replicate a number of challenging real-world road conditions and surface irregularities, so there were plenty of chances to highlight any weaknesses in the new setup.Nonetheless, the enhanced 86 impressed at speeds well beyond what you’d legally experience on public roads of similar quality, and there’s no doubt it would knock seconds off a standard car’s lap times if you were counting.  There’s no mistaking the enhanced 86 with a standard model when you’re into the swing of it, but the ride – while sharper than standard – is still nicely compliant over rural road bumps when cruising. This is no bone rattling track special like the original Honda Integra Type R, for example. VERDICTAs a first taste of what Toyota is cooking up to keep buyers keen on the 86 throughout its model life, this prototype tuning package should instil confidence that Toyota will eventually satisfy those who prefer outright performance over playful chuckability.While this setup adds nothing to the 86’s straight-line surge, it would make a demonstrable difference to its performance around a circuit, motorkhana, or tarmac rally. And during the week, it would remain a usable everyday car with the assurance of a full manufacturer’s warranty.

Twenty years from now, the carscape will be vastly different. Electric cars will be commonplace, hybrids will be universal and the Aussie V8 muscle car will be a page in history.But a handful of 2013 cars will have survived the turmoil to attain classic status just as the Ford Falcon GTHO from the 1960s is considered even more desirable today than it was when it first hit the road. Classic cars are not necessarily about horsepower or price.We know a collector who loves the humble, bumbling Morris 1100 in his multi-car garage. The first Toyota Prius is a car to keep because of its place in history. The original Mazda MX-5 from 1989 is just as “classic'' as certain Porsche 911s. The key to classic status is simple: Emotion.A car does a job in the same way as a fridge but it's much more than a machine, from the shape of its bodywork to the touch-and-feel pieces in the cabin and the way it makes you feel when you're driving. The attachment could take the form of the love you feel for a first car, even a humble '50s Beetle, or the satisfaction of finally parking a dream machine -- even a Leyland P76 -- in the garage.Classic cars don't have to be affordable on day one, because depreciation hits everything. Not enough, perhaps, to make the LaFerrari more than a dream but it could help with a Porsche 911 or an Audi R8 that's definitely desirable despite the showroom sticker.Which current cars will achieve classic status? If we really knew, the Carsguide crew would be putting them up on blocks today as investments for the future. But here are some likely suspects:Abarth 695 TributoPrice: from $69,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed sequential auto, FWDThirst: 6.5L/100Km, CO2 151g/kmThe Italian baby is outrageously expensive but this humble Fiat 500 has been touched with the Ferrari wand, which makes it special. It looks wicked and is a hoot to drive. Just plain fun.Holden Commodore SS-VPrice: about $50,000Engine: 6.0-litre 8-cylinder, 270kW/ 530NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 12.2L/100Km, CO2 288g/kmThe last in the long line of truly home grown Holdens will soon be one to enjoy, thanks to improved efficiency and an Audi-style luxury cabin. The SS-V and HSV's coming F Series cars will be historic and performance icons.Range Rover EvoquePrice: from $51,495Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder, 110kW/380NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWD or 4WDThirst: 4.9L/100Km, CO2 129g/kmThis one is a fashion item, not an SUV. The Evoque is all about the looks, a lot like a Mini, but it is also a great drive and we know the all-paw drive examples will go almost anywhere.Nissan GT-RPrice: from $172,000Engine: 3.8-litre 6-cylinder, 404kW/628NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 11.7L/100Km, CO2 278g/kmGodzilla is already a collector's car, thanks to earlier models tied to the GT-R that won the Bathurst 1000. The new model is a better car, and still great value, but collectors will need to find one that hasn't been battered and abused.Volkswagen Golf GTIPrice: from $40,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 155kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWDThirst: 7.7L/100Km, CO2 180g/kmThe German pocket rocket is a top drive and the coming model, using the Golf Mk7 body, promises to be even better. The GTI has been a cult car since the '70s and truly great since the 2005 Mark 5.Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86Price: from $37,150/$29,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 7.8L/100Km, CO2 181g/kmPeople who love cars have fallen for the Twins, the sports cars that won Carsguide's 2012 Car of the Year. There is a waiting list for both and the keen are paying more than the showroom sticker, because they deliver exactly what they promise at a great price. Pushed, we'd go for the BRZ in Subaru's signature blue.

VERDICTYou'll love the 86's drive but may tire of its basic features and firm ride. In the everyday grind, the Veloster is simply easier to live with. Your call.  

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Toyota's attention getting 86 sports car. This one is the GT entry model with a manual transmission. It will be the preferred choice of many punters, bearing in mind that less is often more when it comes to sports cars.How much?Prices start at $29,990. The big problem is getting hold of one. The waiting list has blown out to more than a year we're told - the good news is that this week Toyota announced it had managed to get hold of another 1500.What are competitors?Excellent question, especially for someone who wants the car now and is not prepared to wait. For the price nothing else really comes within cooee  but a Veloster Turbo might tide you over at $31,990.What's under the bonnet?A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat four Subaru engine (shared with the BRZ). Produces 147kW of power at 7000 revs and 205Nm of torque between 6400 and 6600 revs. That makes it a high revving engine with a narrow band of torque.How does it go?Fantastic. Once you get the hang of it that is. This is not a car that you can dawdle around in, leaving it in top gear. You need to change and change often to keep in the zone. With no revs on the dial you will be left high and dry on the other side of a corner.Is it economical?The manual is rated at 7.8 litres/100km and interestingly that's exactly what we were getting after just over 400km of driving. Bear in mind that this engine requires 98 RON fuel or higher according to the book. Neither the GT or GTS provide distance to empty which is kind of wierd.Is it green?Both the manual and automatic get 4 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5). The manual produces 181g/km of CO2.Is it safe?Hasn't been tested by ANCAP yet but has been designed to get 5 stars, with seven airbags as standard and a pedestrian-friendly front structure.Is it comfortable?It's a long way down but once you're there it's all good. No back seat to speak of but the sports bucket will accommodate a range of frames.What's it like to drive?Sounds more like a boxer engine than the auto. As the Beach Boys sang - Fun! Fun! Fun! Toyota has really ripped one out with this model, the complete antithesis of the very boring Camry?Is it value for money?Add in a digital speedo and distance to empty and we'd be happy as a pig in mud.Would we buy one?Where do we sign?Toyota 86Price: from $29,990Engine: 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: six-speed manual, six-speed auto, RWDFuel economy:  7.8L/100km (7.1L auto) 98RON0-100km/h: 7.6 secs (8.2 auto)

Toyota 86 GTS and Ford Focus ST go head-to-head in this comparative review.