Toyota GT86 review

Unfortunately, there’s no speed boost associated with Manual mode, and we’d prefer the gear changes to be quicker. You can press a button to engage Sport mode, which should introduce faster gearshift response times, but we didn’t notice an improvement. The GT86’s automatic gearbox isn’t perfect, but it is fun.

As for fuel consumption, Toyota says the automatic version we reviewed should do 29.4mpg around town, 49.6mpg out of town and 39.8mpg combined. According to Toyota’s press release, the manual version should do 27.2mpg around town, 44.1mpg out of town and 36.2mpg combined.

INFOTASTIC

Our GT86 was equipped with the excellent Touch & Go navigation, audio and information system, and we loved using it. It has a resistive touchscreen, but it feels better and more responsive than some others we’ve used. We had no problem connecting our iPhone 3GS via Bluetooth in order to make calls and play music, but we couldn’t change the music folders using the system; we could only listen to the music within the folder that was open when we connected the phone to the system. We’ve used similar systems that behave in the same way, though, so this isn’t a flaw of Touch & Go. Indeed, we found it quick and easy to use. It’s worth noting that we could change folders if we attached it via USB.

We loved the sound quality, too, as the audio system provided clear top and mid-ranges with the ability to add more bass without distorting or muddying the mix, which is just how we like it. Whether you’re playing 80s synth classics or the latest bass-heavy dubstep, it’ll sound great. Worryingly, we were often told that you could clearly hear what was being played in the car while stood outside, even with the GT86’s windows fully closed, which makes us wonder how private our telephone conversations were.

The satellite navigation system presented information clearly and was up to date. Even those speed limits that had altered within the last year or two were correctly displayed, which meant we could rely on it when we ventured into unfamiliar areas. Sadly, we didn’t get the chance to use the Google Search functions, and would welcome user comments on this.

We really enjoyed using the Touch & Go system fitted to our GT86. As previously mentioned, we’d prefer the option of a multifunction steering wheel in order to make and take calls safely, but that and greater control over your Bluetooth audio device is pretty much the only improvement we could make to it.

PRICES AND OPTIONS

The regular GT86 already has a lot of the tech and convenience you’d want, such as keyless entry, push-button engine control, heated and electrically controlled door mirrors, High Intensity Discharge headlights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, but you can also specify heated front seats and Touch & Go as options.

The standard GT86 is available for £25,000 on the road, but the automatic model we drove costs £26,500 on the road and £29,300 as reviewed with heated leather seats (£1,600), metallic paint (£450) and Touch & Go (£750). We could live without the heated leather seats, but Touch & Go is a must-have feature.

BOOK A TEST DRIVE

The automatic GT86, with Touch & Go equipped, is the perfect car for music-loving gadget fiends who want a car with excellent handling, responsive steering and exciting looks, although it really would benefit from a turbo-charger. For those of us brought up in the 80s and 90s with classic arcade games such as Outrun and classic Japanese sports cars such as the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX, the automatic GT86 is very nearly everything you could want in a car. We want one, and miss it terribly, which is the highest recommendation we can give it. Book a test drive at your local Toyota dealership and an appointment with your bank manager while you’re at it.