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Snackable Review: Toyota 86

The Toyota 86 offers big value on the ‘smiles per mile’ scale. It may not be the quickest in a straight line, but few can match it for fun factor through the bends.

Toyota 86 Driving Through Bend Jpg
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PLUS

  • The way it corners. It’s a sweetheart – lithe and light on its feet, the 86 has one of the most ‘talented’ chassis this side of $150K.
  • That steering. Meaty yet light, accurate yet not hyper-alert. This is about as good as it gets.
  • The way it feels. You sit low and the interior wraps around you. The pedals, steering wheel are placed perfectly. It all just feels ‘right’.
  • It’s satisfying to drive fast. After every drive up a twisty road, you always get out of an 86 thinking, god that was good.
  • It’ll drift. Oh yes. And without much power, you need to get creative to get the 86 sideways. On the track, of course.

MINUS

  • The engine is a bit unremarkable. You could say it sounds a little emotionless, plus 147kW and 205Nm makes it a tad on the slow side.
  • It can be uncomfortable. It rides like a skateboard and there’s lots of road noise. Sydney-Melbourne trips may require an overnight stop.
  • It’s not hugely practical. It’s not a car for ambitious IKEA missions. The rear seats will get you out of trouble, but they’re not for the long-haul.
  • The interior feels a bit cheap. It does the job, sure, but the materials are a bit budget. Yep, definitely from the same company that makes Camrys.
  • It doesn’t have much grip. This could be controversial – some will love the 86’s low grip, some will hate it. Depends on your skill level, probably.

Click here to read the full review on the Toyota 86.

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