The Toyota GT86 is unsurprisingly not a big seller in Ireland. However, Ireland has made this car available to our market through order. This is the most exciting car that Toyota has to offer in this country in terms of thrills. It comes nicely kitted out and it handles very well.
The Toyota GT86 comes with just one engine – a 2.0 litre petrol. The 4-cylinder engine offers 200 hp and if you opt for the 6-speed manual, it will bring you from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds. There is a more expensive automatic version available and its 6-speed set-up will cover the same area in 8.2 seconds. Maximum torque and power comes in at the higher end of the rev counter and it could be improved at the lower end.
As should be expected from a vehicle of this look and ilk, the GT86 offers a firm ride. It handles superbly. This rear wheel drive machine responds brilliantly through its well weighted steering wheel.
Cars like these aren’t expected to be refined. You want to hear the workings of the engine and in the GT86 you get exactly that. Against a conventional car it would not score brilliantly under refinement – but if that’s what you’re looking for you might be better looking at an Audi TT. There is an audible amount of road noise too, but once again this shouldn’t surprise anyone.
The dashboard is not a million miles from what you’d see in the new Ford Mustang. Some of the plastics look a little cheap, but the layout of the dash is actually user friendly. We also like the curved air vents above the infotainment system. The stitching on the steering wheel, seats, gear knob and surrounding the interior is attractive too.
Toyota hasn’t put the GT86 through its paces in the Euro NCAP – perhaps because it is not a big enough seller. The car is surrounded by seven airbags and it has good systems for stability control and more.
If you’re looking for a car to bring your kids to school in, they’d look pretty cool, but this vehicle only has two tiny seats to the rear – and they are only good for small children. The front space is excellent though. The lack of space in the rear is not a factor though, we can’t imagine GT86 buyers being too concerned about them. There is a 243 litre boot with this vehicle.
Arrange a