January 2013

For 6 days I had the pleasure of driving Toyota’s GT86. Or ‘the new sports 2 seater rear wheel fun machine’ as I like to call it!

2 Ltr Boxer engine with 200bhp

Here’s the Keys Mr Cooper have fun see you next Tuesday, Sorry? We’ll see you Tuesday when you have to return the car . .

Now where does the key go?

This was like an attention seeking teenager, even sitting outside my house I could see it tempting me to go out to play, Any excuse to go out in it, do we need milk? Are you ok for chocolate? I think I left my coat in work! This GT86 is a fun car to drive, but it hates traffic, like that teenager, impatient!

Comfort? As its a sports car you’d expect it to be a little less comfortable but the GT86 is comfy enough to sit in. It’s Smart Entry & Start System is very handy, no need to take the key out of your pocket to get in and start the car! I miss that!

Handling wise on the road, really sits well on motorway – so firm and steady, back roads is where this car comes into its own, it feels all the bumps, which actually helps you drive it to its potential, like flying by the seat of your pants as helicopter pilots do. The anti-skid control is unbelievable. It is a rear wheel drive so you expect some swing and it does, enough sometimes to make your heart jump and give you that instant cold sweat feeling from your head to toe, but the traction control kicks in to straighten you out and keep you nice and safe. I drove this in minus degrees so ice on the road made me very think, “I’m going to be all over the shop with this” but no it held its own.

Inside? The bucket seats on this model were a soft touch cloth and would probably have a longer life if they where leather as they look a bit dated. And saying that the interior does look a little dated, the dials are nice and big but it did remind me of driving my 1992 Honda Prelude. Saying that, it’s not about how the inside looks, the outside attracts so much attention.

When parked up, I watched people not walking by but stopping to look and see what it was before giving that yeah that’s cool nod as they made their way. Driving in the city it turned heads, created finger pointing and on motor ways I actually found some cars slowing down to take a look before moving on. It is a very good looking car.

The entertainment system was very good, a large touch screen with a port for USB, Aux and blutooth the only complaint about the media player is the volume pot was very small and would be great if there where steering controls for it.

Lights > They are Daytime running lights (LED type)

Would I buy it? Eh, there is no leg room in the back for the seats and we have for the kids so no, this is not for me, unless it was just for playing with at the weekends!

Lots of fun!

FROM TOYOTA IRELAND BELOW:

At a Glance – GT86 Features

The GT86 is an entirely driver-oriented vehicle. Conceived to focus specifically on the core attributes of the classic sports car experience, it gives form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous response to even the smallest throttle or steering inputs, for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity.

The GT86 combines the technical constraints of the most compact dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and excellent, F1 technology-inspired aerodynamic performance with evocative, sweepingstyling recalling the heritage of past Toyota sports cars. The GT86 perfectly embodies the iconic, legendary racing history of Toyota. A proud racing history and, with the new GT86, an exhilarating future.

Main Features Standard

Cruise control
TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Smart Entry & Start System
Climate Control (dual zone control)
Rear spoiler
Daytime running lights (LED type)
Toyota Touch System featuring 6.1″ colour touch screen display, Enhanced Bluetooth® functionality, iPod® control from touch screen, iTunes album cover art displayed, Trip information and vehicle settings
USB port and AUX socket for audio connectivity – Connection to iPod, USB Flash Drive etc
Front power windows
Knee airbag: Driver
Front airbags: Driver & Passenger
Side airbags: Driver & Passenger
Curtain shield airbags: front & rear
Traction Control (TRC)