Toyota GR86 : Supercar Fun For Hatchback Price
Everyone at International Excellence Magazine enjoyed driving the GR86 almost more than any other car we reviewed this year. Not bad for £32,580.
Toyota GR 86 Review
Toyota GR 86 Review
Introduction & Specs
The GR86, Toyota's successor to the GT86, is a 2-door, 4-seater coupe that stands out by offering both a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, a rarity among contemporary performance cars. Despite its compact size, the GR86 delivers impressive performance with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 231 horsepower. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, although its top speed is limited to 140 mph.
Fuel efficiency is rated at an estimated 32 mpg combined, whereas our model performs closer to 27 mpg. However, my focus was on enjoying the drive rather than hypermiling or maximising fuel economy. Nevertheless, this discrepancy is overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment the GR86 provides.
To thoroughly test its capabilities, we took the car to Somerset, where we explored the cities of Bath and Bristol and ventured onto the scenic British country roads.
Gearbox & Engine
Having received the manual edition of the Toyota GR86 was a stroke of luck for us, and despite being perceived as old-fashioned by some, it quickly became our favourite aspect of the car. The joy of accelerating was doubled by the roller coaster-like rush, complemented perfectly by the immensely satisfying gear changes.
Adapting to the gearbox did take some time, as other gearboxes often feel sloppy in comparison, whereas this one is remarkably precise and dynamic.
Even in today's automotive landscape, where cars are increasingly moving towards automation and reducing driver interaction, I never once regretted having to change gears. In fact, I relished the opportunity to downshift for quicker responses when needed.
Credit is also due to the engine, a Subaru-designed boxer engine that delivers satisfying sounds across a wide range of revs. Importantly, the engine note remains smooth and purposeful throughout the rev range, never becoming shrill or excessively loud. It emphasises a refined growl that enhances the overall driving experience.
Performance
As previously mentioned, the 2.4 L engine in the GR86 packs 231 bhp, which might not seem like a lot, but considering the car weighs just under 1.3 tonnes, it's extremely effective. The 0-62 mph time of 6.3 seconds felt perfectly balanced. Any faster, and gear changes would need to be rushed; any slower, and there would be a noticeable gap between gears. The engineers seem to have found the ideal sweet spot where acceleration is brisk enough to be enjoyable without causing concerns about losing one's license.
This balance was particularly appreciated in Somerset, known for its hilly terrain. Regardless of whether the car was in a higher gear, the GR86 was always eager to accelerate down the next slope, demonstrating its readiness and capability on varied roads.
Handling & Suspension
The car handles superbly, benefiting from its low centre of gravity and precision steering that remains effortlessly accurate at any speed.
The suspension is tuned to be quite rigid but remains comfortable for the most part, aside from the occasional pothole. It excels on smooth country roads where the tight suspension keeps the car super stable, even during sharp corners, further enhancing its handling prowess.
One notable feature is the track mode, which firms up the suspension and disables traction control. This setup allows for a more dynamic driving experience, loosening the back end to facilitate controlled slides. Activating track mode also changes the speedometer display to prominently feature engine revs, emphasising the car's performance focus.
Exterior
The exterior of the GR86 is a mix of sharp and curved lines, with the side profile being almost shark-like, featuring a small fin on the top and a curved boot that acts as a slight rear spoiler. The prominent bonnet haunches allow you to position the car perfectly on the road, reminiscent of the Ferrari Portofino. Despite the GR86’s overall small size, the curved windscreen provides excellent visibility.
Interior
The GR86 interior is kept quite simple, with a lot of hard plastic used to keep costs down, which could be seen as a bit out of date depending on taste. However, every touchpoint is padded, softened, and elevated in quality compared to non-touch points. Both the pedals and gear lever benefit from this; the pedals feel grippy and sharp with an additional footrest to the left of the clutch. The short stick gear lever always felt solid, fast, and well-designed. Another standout feature is the steering wheel, which includes the start-stop button and smooth, soft leather.
It is a four-seater. The front seats are impressively comfortable and the back seats are there for additional bags or small humans, for short journeys.
Technology
For £32,580, expectations were naturally lower regarding the interior, which is slightly dated as previously discussed and not the primary focus of the car. Despite this, it includes everything you'd expect, such as a touchscreen infotainment interface with efficient Bluetooth connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota has also taken the time to redesign all the buttons and knobs, making it very easy to figure out their functions. This is refreshing, as most cars nowadays make you feel like you need to read a manual before touching anything. One aspect we particularly liked was the strength of the air conditioning fans, which is useful in blazing hot English summers.
Conclusion
The Toyota GR86 offers a thrilling driving experience reminiscent of luxury supercars but without the exorbitant price tag. The 6-speed manual gearbox stands out, making every drive exhilarating, while the Subaru-designed 2.4-litre boxer engine delivers powerful yet smooth performance. The car's well-balanced dynamics provide the perfect amount of speed to enjoy consistently without being overwhelming. Despite its performance focus, the GR86 includes practical technology, such as a touchscreen with seamless smartphone connectivity. The exterior design is sleek and shark-like, and the interior, though not the most luxurious, is thoughtfully designed and practical.
Overall, the Toyota GR86 is the most fun you can get for your buck and an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts seeking a cool and affordable sports car. A serious contender for our best value sports car award for 2024.
Toyota GR86 available from £32,580
