By Charles Donaldson
Last August (2017) Toyota decided to end its 13-year venture to lure young people to its Scion brand. So, the question came – what to do with its prized Subaru-built FR-S sport coupe. The decision was to transition it into the Toyota stable and call it the 86.
Whether it was the result of a contractual agreement with Subaru or if Toyota simply wanted to enhance its lineup with a sporty two-door coupe, the outcome was in that Toyota gained a beautiful reasonably-priced sports car that has soul and sex appeal.
Pricing and Trims
For 2017 the Toyota 86 is available in the following two trim levels: Base 6-speed ($26,255), and 860 Special Edition 6-speed ($29,155). Add $720 for an automatic transmission.
What’s new for 2017?
The new change over to Toyota brought with it styling upgrades, revised suspension settings, upgraded interior materials, and a slight power boost to the 86. The goal was to improve the comfort level while maintaining a nimble and fun-to-drive spirit.
Interior Highpoints
The 86 offers an impressive amount of cabin room for its small size. A large center-mounted tachometer integrates a digital speedometer and features a programmable rev indicator. In theory, there are four seats, but in real life the back seat is best suited for cargo. The trunk has a sensible amount of space for a minor Costco run. The rear seats also fold flat to open for additional cargo space. Classic sports car touches include simulated carbon-fiber dash, door trim and aluminum sport pedals and scuff plates.
Exterior Highlights
The 86 proportions lay out in a long hood and short deck-manner that creates its sports car image. As part of the switch over to Toyota, the 86 gets a revised front bumper, LED headlights, driving lights, turn signals, and a grille that is wider, gaining a trapezoidal look. The front fenders are slightly flared bulging into the hood. The roof profile sweeps up and glides into a sporty arc into the short rear end.
Performance Specs
Power generation is delivered via its Subaru-supplied 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder “Boxer” engine that produces 205 hp and 156 lb.-ft of torque when paired with its 6-speed manual transmission. Move up to that automatic transmission and the horsepower drops to 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft of torque. With the manual transmission the EPA numbers are 21/28 mpg city/highway while the automatic boosts the ratings up to 24/32 mpg.
Cool Features:
·
A Pioneer audio system comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and eight
speakers
·
LED headlights and taillights
Safety Integrity
The 2017 Toyota 86 includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Smart Stop Technology, limited-slip differential, rearview camera and hill start assist preventing the car from moving backward when starting on a hill.
In Summary – The 2017 Toyota 86 adds value to the Toyota lineup with its fun-to-drive sporty-coupe street cred. The 86 has precise handling and cornering, but I wish it had more horsepower and at times you could tell it wished the same. It may not be the vehicle for you if you are planning to carry more than two people for any real distance. With that said, it is a great couple-vehicle for those weekend getaways!
Specifications
2017 Toyota 86
Base price:
|
$26,255 as driven: $27,120 (including destination &
optional features)
|
Engine:
|
2.0-liter 4-Cylinder
|
Horsepower:
|
205 hp
|
Torque:
|
156 lb.-ft.
|
Transmission:
|
6-speed manual
|
Drive:
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
Seating:
|
4-passenger
|
Cargo
space:
|
6.9 cubic feet
|
Curb
weight:
|
2,774 pounds
|
EPA
mileage:
|
City 21/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG
|
Fuel Capacity:
|
13.2 gallons
|
Turning Circle:
|
36.1 ft.
|
Wheelbase:
|
101.2 inches
|
Warranty:
|
3 years/36,000-miles
|
Also consider:
|
Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5, Nissan 370Z, Subaru
BRZ
|
