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Toyota 86 Review 2013

 

Good points

  • Superb balance, superb handling
  • Strong value
  • Pure no-nonsense approach

Needs work

  • Not particularly rapid
  • Dark, conservative interior
  • Unrefined ride

In 2009, the Toyota Motor Corporation appointed 51-year-old Akio Toyoda as its new President.  Toyoda, with Nurburgring experience under his belt, coupled with a refreshingly youthful approach to engineering, made plans to reinject some soul into Toyota, who had gone years without a sports car after the retirement of the MR-2.

The 86 is the result of Toyoda’s vision and a hushed collaboration with fellow automaker Subaru, who supply the 2.0-litre Boxer four that is the sole powerplant.  This coupe is a classic 2+2 two-door sports car, recalling the tradition of the AE86-generation Corolla and Sprinter Trueno fastbacks created by Toyota’s renegade engineers in the 1980s.

What we are presented with is a $30k legend: a sleek and shapely body, a rorty two-litre engine, rear wheel drive, a great manual, and a limited slip differential.  So far, this isn’t sounding like a Toyota.
ChasingCars.com.au borrowed this vehicle for our Toyota 86 review:

  • 2013 Toyota 86 GTS (top trim), with the 2.0-litre aspirated four-cylinder and six-speed manual, in Mount Fuji Red with black alcantara, priced at $35,990 before on-road costs.

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.0L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Naturally aspirated
Power
147kW @ 7000rpm
Torque
205Nm @ 6600rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
121kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
50L
Consumption
7.8L / 100km
Average Range
641km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Manual
Drivetrain
Rear wheel drive
Engine configuration
Horizontally-opposed
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4240mm
Width
1775mm
Height
1245mm
Unoccupied weight
1216kg
Cargo space seats up
217L
Cargo seats down
N/A

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