Toyota

GR86

The stunning Toyota GR86 is a traditionally-styled 2+2 sports coupe with real attitude. It replaces the GT86 but has been given Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) treatment so boasts all the racing know-how that brings to the mix.

The good

Looks, handling and performance

The bad

You'll be lucky to find one, such is the demand

Tech Specs

Price from

£29,999

Combined Fuel up to

32.1mpg

0-62 from

6.3 seconds

max speed up to

140mph

co2 from

200g/km

Test Drive

Toyota GR86 – First Drive (2023)

It’s so refreshing when a car comes along with that surprising wow factor that leaves you desperate for extra time behind the wheel – the Toyota GR86 is exactly that car.

Billed as the replacement for the GT86, we expected this two-door sports coupe to be good, but not that good.

That’s because the rear-wheel drive model gains the ‘GR’ prefix and that means it has been given the Gazoo Racing treatment with a Subaru-designed front engine.

The GR86 is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and we opted for the former. Powering this beautifully-styled car is a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine delivering 231bhp and 250Nm of torque. It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 6.3 seconds, maxes out at 140mph and, according to WLTP testing, can deliver a combined 32.1mpg with carbon emissions of 200g/km.

Priced from £29,999, it’s not exactly cheap, but it compares favourably with many rivals out there when it comes to cost. And it has that uniqueness too with just a limited number of cars coming to the UK.

The GR86 looks stunning when approached from any angle with traditional 2+2 sports coupe styling. It boasts dynamic lines, dual exhaust pipes with chrome tips, a shark fin antenna, beautiful 10-spoke, black 18-inch alloy wheels, along with sweeping light clusters with LED daytime running lights.

Moving inside, the cabin is not-surprisingly compact in its design but is generously equipped with sports seats made from leather and Ultrasuede upholstery.

The main focal point is an eight-inch multimedia display and this offers access to on-board features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the phone, a six-speaker sound system with DAB radio, plus various apps. There are a number of short-cut buttons at the side of the screen along with a voice activated assistant to help with numerous tasks, but no sat nav.

All the climate control functions are operated via a separate panel which is really practical and the GR86 boasts heated seats with two settings.

Behind the steering wheel is a seven-inch tft information display that shows all the important driving data and this changes appearance if you select the Track mode. But it will come as little surprise that the Track mode is not for public roads as it turns off some of the safety tech for more exhilarating handling.

But even in more traditional driving modes, this car is a thrill-seeker’s dream car. It fires up with a loud roar that can be heard a few streets away and, although it’s accomplished in town or on motorways, this model has been designed for quieter, twisting country lanes where it can show its true potential.

The acceleration is sharp and the body control cannot fail to impress even the pickiest of critics. The firm suspension adds to the appeal and you also have to work the gears for maximum poke – this again is a plus-point.

Despite having rear seats, you would only realistically ask your worst enemy to somehow squeeze their way in. It is ideal for spare luggage and coats however. The boot is also fairly compact with a 226-litre limit, but there are a number of handy compartments scattered throughout the car, including a decent-sized glovebox, a central cubby bin with two USB ports along with a couple of cup holders. Both doors also have a compartment to store a water bottle.

When you factor in the wealth of on-board safety kit and driver assistance aids, this car has oodles of appeal.

But you will be very lucky to get your hands on a GR86 now as the 500 models allocated to the UK sold out in just 90 minutes.