Toyota's GT86 is a small, fun sports car that offers genuine driving fun, despite its flaws. It's a bargain, but it's not perfect. The car's engine is a 2-liter flat-four, which is a weakness in terms of performance and personality. The engine's industrial sound and harshness down low, and its need to be revved to deliver its relatively meager numbers, make it a challenge to extract the car's potential. The car's performance is further hindered by its lack of torque, which requires a committed driving style to explore its limits. The GT86's ride and handling are sharp and balanced, with a great gearshift action and pedals ideally placed for heel-and-toe shifts. The car's low stance and thicker anti-roll bars help reduce any tendency to pitch and roll. The GT86 is a democratized rear-wheel-drive performance car, but it's not perfect. The car's interior is not the last word in plushness, with fake-carbon trim and hard plastics setting a low-rent tone. However, the car's driving position is excellent, with a superb steering wheel that angles the driver's arms inwards, promoting a sportier feel. The GT86's MPG and running costs are reasonable, with a claimed average of 33.2mpg and a five-year warranty. The car's Michelin Primacy tyres are cheap to replace, and the car's low weight and slick aerodynamics help return figures upwards of 40mpg. The GT86 is a great starter sports car, with a price tag of under £30,000 when new. However, depreciation has done its thing, and early GT86s can be had from around £8000, with facelifts starting from just under £15,000. The most desirable option for a Toyota GT86 is the Performance Pack, which includes a more subtle 17-inch alloy design, Sachs performance dampers, and Brembo brakes. The car's rivals include the Mazda MX-5 RF and the Subaru BRZ, both of which are fantastic fun to drive. However, if you can afford it, the GR86 is a near-flawless successor to the GT86, addressing all of its quirks and ills.
