Overview

WITH a new generation due in 2028 – this time shared with Mazda – the current second generation Toyota GR86 will present the last opportunity for enthusiasts to access the car as we know it.

The new ‘86’ will likely have a hybrid powertrain that may add weight and complexity and will undoubtedly cost more…

Sales of the low-slung two-door are static at best however, with the larger Supra sports coupe over and out, and other sporty Toyota performance choices limited to a pair of GR hot hatches.

On test was the GR86 GTS that retails from $46,090 excluding on-road costs competing with the same under the skin Subaru BRZ and the dearer Mazda MX-5 RF.

Toyota upgraded the 86 a couple of years ago adding a top spec’ Limited Edition variant but also placed a focus on dynamic tweaks range wide.

Motive power to the rear axle comes from a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer four-cylinder engine good for 174kW/250Nm via a six-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential.

The engine’s throttle map was optimised in the upgrade for greater response and linearity, and Toyota boffins took the update opportunity to further improve the model’s “driveability” based on intel from professional drivers that included retuned shock absorbers and electric power steering to improve handling response and feedback.

The 1300kg kerb weight of the vehicle on test means an extensive list of standard kit is tucked between the axles. Featured on the test car was the optional Dynamic Performance Pack with forged alloy wheels and Brembo brakes, among other goodies.

The GR86 is suspended by MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, steers via direct electric power steering and drinks from a 50-litre fuel tank (98RON unleaded is recommended) at a claimed combined rate of 8.8 litres per 100km.

It’s appearance is accentuated by wide spaced dual exhaust outlets, LED headlights, and 18-inch alloys, while the inside is punctuated by comfortable sports seats, a multi-function ‘wheel and conventional manual parking brake.

Safety kit includes features some may consider detrimental to drive feel for a sports coupe (but are mandated by ANCAP) such as autonomous emergency braking, parking brake support, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and leading vehicle notice.

The reverse camera is handy, as are other safety features, particularly Toyota’s park assist.

Also included on the mid-spec test car was a rear blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

On the comfort side of the ledger, the GR86 GTS is well endowed with dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, dual cup-holders, power windows, an illuminated entry system with fadeout, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, door pockets with bottle holders, and Active Sound Control.

Pleasing tones emanate from the six-speaker audio system with infotainment imparted through an 8.0-inch touchscreen display.

The GTS further specifies 215/40 profile tyres and “intelligent” adaptive front headlights along with premium door scuff plate foot rest and pedals with aluminium pads, black Ultrasuede leather accented front seats with gunmetal grey or red leather accents, silver or red trim stitching, black or red leather accented door centre, black or red carpet and floor mats.

Driving Impressions

It was a treat to get back behind the wheel of a responsive, low riding, rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a six-speed manual transmission.

Simply, it delivers a level of engagement that is simply not available with automatic alternatives and offers a rifle-bolt shift action that allows the driver to easily keep the engine in its high-revving sweet spot.

The steering exhibits quick and well-weighted feel spoiled in this instance by a terrible front-end alignment that had positive camber on the front, an anathema to optimal dynamics.

For a while, we lived with it... But we couldn’t resist the urge to give the test car a proper alignment; and with that sorted found far sharper reflexes that saw a quick flick of the ‘wheel all that was necessary to accurately hit the apex in corners – or change direction in a hurry if needed.

The often-dreaded ADAS systems were not too intrusive, though the GR86’s tendency to flare the throttle at each gear change was rather grating. We had no workaround for that because apparently, it’s designed to clear unburnt fuel from the intake thereby reducing emissions… go-figure.

The engine has an unusual, synthesised metallic and high-pitched wail when worked hard that detracts from the driving experience – especially when you know how raunchy a Boxer engine can sound.

Overall performance is impressive, though, with a wide spread of power and torque to tap via that sweet shifting gearbox.

The engine seems capable of “revving to the moon” but doesn’t feel like it offers anywhere near the claimed power and torque values. That said, it passes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds, which is pretty handy all the same.

On test, the GR86 consumed around 10L/100km in mixed driving, or roughly 1.2 litres more than the advertised claim.

The braking performance of the Brembo picks are a terrific accompaniment to the performance on offer, enabling fast, deep dives into tight turns before the driver swaps pedals to blast out the other side.

This is aided by firm, sporty suspension that maintains body posture well, but may be too firm for those who use the GR86 as their only mode of transportation.

On the inside, it’s obvious the GR86 has been designed by people who like sporty driving. The controls fall readily to hand (and foot) and can be activated instinctively.

The snug cabin offers grippy, well-bolstered sports seats that holds you in place through fast corners.

Taller drivers don’t have much headroom to play with, and the rear seats aren’t even useable by little kids. In our view these should be dropped in favour of a storage compartment – perhaps enabling a full-size spare wheel to be carried…

Quibbles aside, we loved every minute behind the ‘wheel of the Toyota GR86 GTS. We’d buy one in a blink just to enjoy the thrill of driving that now seems lost in a sea of vanilla, electronically modulated transport boxes.

May long production of cars like the GR86 continue.