Toyota 86

Having read rave reviews about Toyota's new 86 sports car I must say I was looking forward to a week behind the wheel.

To be sure its performance credentials are superb... energetic acceleration, a 7 thousand 400 rpm redline, handling that is among the best in the class,(even challenging more expensive European sports cars,) and it looks sensational.

However the sound beneath the bonnet from the flat four Subaru sourced engine, is anything but inspiring, when given full throttle,sounding more like a cow lowing in the meadow than anything mechanically exciting.

Yes it will throw you rapidly down the road, but the aural stimulus was for me sadly lacking.

Nevertheless the 86 is a fine drive, and even relatively comfortable.. considering its sporting attributes that was a surprise.

Developed in conjunction with Subaru,(its BRZ is almost identical) I was also surprised to find a Subaru badge on the engine cover, when there are Toyota ones everywhere else.

It could confuse unsuspecting buyers.

Another gripe concerns ergonomics.

The driver and passenger armrests are well padded to take the pain out of the elbows, but the hard plastic central console offers only a hole with removable cup holders, a little hard and annoying on the other arm.

It surely wouldn't have hurt to have even a slightly padded removable console cover to ease the discomfort.

Seat comfort is good and the suede like material and red stitching sets it apart from the rest of the pack.

Instruments are generally clear and well placed.

I am not a fan of red as a instrument backlighting at night ..it's not easily read at a glance, like say white, blue or even orange on other brands.

The automatic 86 version I drove was easy to use and the option of changing gears manually was also welcomed.

For just under 30 thousand dollars the 86 is great value for money....and those Toyota devotees mourning the loss of a performance Toyota like Supra and Celica in the range will be storming the dealerships irrespective of the 18 month wait for delivery. Peter Sellen

  

Peter Sellen