Toyota recently released an updated version of their new generation GR86. But how does this modern iteration live up to its legendary heritage? We find out...
While turbocharged performance cars are plentiful in South Africa, naturally aspirated rear-wheel-driven ones are considered chicken's teeth. In that regard, Toyota has stayed true to its purist sports car roots with a modern rendition of its high-revving 86 nameplate –the fastest one to date.
Many people came to know and fell in love with the Toyota Corolla Levin Sprinter Trueno AE86, in large part due to the Initial D manga series and movie where the 'Hachiroku' (Eight-Six in Japanese) was the star of the show. A gutsy sports car that tackled Japan's twisty touge mountain roads. The recipe for its success was simple – a rear-wheel-drive layout combined with a high-revving engine and manual transmission – making it a nimble and agile car to drive.
Now, decades later, the Toyota GR86 is the new kid on the block, carrying the automotive heritage of models before it. So, first things first, the model we had on test was the manual derivative (there is also an automatic available) and is priced from R755 500. It certainly isn't cheap, but then again, most performance cars today aren't.
Looks to match the grunt
There's no comparison in the design department compared to the first generation. The front section looks very 2014 Dodge Viper-like, coupled with the low centre of gravity and aggressive front section. The LED head and taillights also benefit from a much better design, and the 18-inch black-coated wheels, wrapped in Continental Contact Sport tyres, suit the car's aggressive look. It's this wheel and tyre combo that contributes to what makes the driving dynamics of this car so special.
Now for the grunt. Under the bonnet is a Subaru-derived naturally aspirated 2.4-litre Boxer engine with improved power outputs of 174kW and 250Nm. Other than not messing with tradition, Toyota kept things affordable by not going the turbocharged route, and we commend them for that. The partnership between the two automakers started with the introduction of the first generation 86 in 2012, where Subaru also had its own '86' known as the BRZ.
Toyota claims the manual GR86 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and run to a top speed of 226km/h - both figures are better than the automatic version. Interestingly, the Boxer engine doesn't gulp fuel as one would assume due to the bigger displacement, with a consumption figure of 9.5 litres/100km. We managed to achieve a 9.2-litre average in the week we had the car, and we can't say fuel consumption was our goal while driving.
You can hear the very Subaru-like monotone exhaust note when going higher in the rev range, but wow, do the revs pick up quickly. The car forces you to concentrate on the road with each gear shift, even with the traction control enabled.
Solid interior
The sports seats are a combination of leather and suede and accommodate you as though you're in the bucket seat of a race-specced car, low to the ground. There are rear seats, but that is a waste of material because there is zero space for a full-sized adult or teenager to sit properly – it's only suitable for gym or miscellaneous baggage.
In our opinion, the 2+2 layout could've been better utilised with just a basic mat or even a roll cage. This is not something you buy if you're worried about boot space because, well, there is little to none. The rear seats can be folded down if need be.
The steering wheel is small and grippy with good reach to the gear lever, which is pivotal in such a compact car where you will be changing gears with some ferocity.
An 8-inch touchscreen is the only 'fancy' gadgetry you'll get and easily connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. If you're an AUX or USB type of person, ports are available in the storage compartment.
Toyota paid particular attention to the six-speaker audio system, which previous generation customers cited as an area needing improvement.
Toyota did the best they could with such limited space on the inside; even the handbrake is positioned at a skew angle – right next to your left leg – to ensure everything fits somewhat ergonomically.
The driving experience
As they say, save the best for last, and the best is how this car drives for the purpose for which it was built. The handling is superb and feels very planted when navigating turns at speed, largely due to the grippy Continental rubber and rigid chassis. It's just a case of point-and-shoot. Toyota increased the clutch capacity and gear strength to handle the increase in torque. Those increases equate to a harder-than-usual clutch that bites almost immediately – though your left leg won't be happy with you when sitting in traffic.
We found that the six-speed transmission performs better when the revs are high and where the short throws, particularly from gears second to fourth, hurl the chassis forward. Track mode on the GR86 can only be engaged when the vehicle is standing still, but when it is activated, the car feels more aggressive. Traction becomes limited, and you must know how to handle yourself if the rear end starts sliding in either direction. While a 10mm drop in suspension isn't very much, it drives like a lowered vehicle with occasional hops on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
The only real gripe from a purist point of view was that the engine was not a Toyota product. There's absolutely nothing wrong with how it performs, but we think it would've sounded better if it was.
Verdict
Toyota marketed the GR86 as an analogue car for the digital age, and they are 100% right. You feel part of what the car is doing. Just about every performance option these days makes use of forced induction and automatic transmissions with a very straightforward way of driving. The GR86 is a different proposition. A purist's dream that attracts a specific type of buyer.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
GR86 6MT – R755 500
GR86 6AT – R794 000
All GR86 models are sold with a 6-services/90 000km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and carry a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets).
In the market for a new or used car? Get it on Gumtree! There are over 50,000 cars listed on Gumtree. Whether you're looking for a small car, family car, vintage car, fancy car, or your next project car; we've got it all! Browse Cars & Bakkies on Gumtree.
