Back in my footy days on the hallowed turf of the er, school playground, I used to have a bit of a hard man reputation. And, if asked my opinions on maths, I’d use the same word to describe it; hard.
Years later, and when I’m behind the wheel of a car, I like to drive hard. Funny how things follow you around like that. I love stomping on the loud pedal and tearing the rear rubbers to shreds. My wallet dislikes my driving style (the local tyre dealer loves me), but it’s fun and driving should be.
There’s nothing quite like a big nasty V8 to get my heart pumping and the wheels screeching. What then, would I make of the puny four-cylinder motivating our Toyota 86?
First of all, I thought the seats would be better suited for those with the behind of a catwalk model. It was a tight fit for me while real-estate agents would say the cabin was best described as cosy. Hmm.
Once settled in, I planted my right foot down, dumped the clutch, and was met with... nothing more than a girly giggle from the rear wheels. Disappointing. It was tough getting the wheels to spin and though it sped off smoothly enough, straight-line hoonery is not what this car is about. Not when it’s just got 200bhp. But give it a twisty track and it comes into its own with some fabulously playful results.
The 86 lineage is renowned for drifting and it’s what this car does best. A good snapper will catch the moment you get this little whippet sideways when you barrel out of a corner, and he’ll have plenty of chances to get that special picture because it’s so easy to break the tail out.
Our man behind the lens, Dennis, had a field day clicking away getting this and countless other images. He managed to capture the essence of the 86 and then told me, “it wasn’t hard.” He’s pretty good, just like our 86.
The progress
Week 5 and 6: Let’s face it, the entry-level 86 looks like it’s riding on a set of space savers. The way to go is some 17s (anything bigger on lower profile tyres
will further ruin the ride), 215/45, which coincidentally is the same wheel and tyre
size of the higher-spec 86 you get straight from the dealer.
Highs: Grips like mad on a new set of tyres...
Lows: ...Which is less fun than on worn tyres
Week 4: The design of the 86 isn’t too emotive, yet the proportions are spot-on for a sportscar. But don’t get adventurous with a 370Z at the lights...
Highs: Looks great, is fun around corners
Lows: Straightline acceleration disappoints
Week 3: Despite all its failings, there’s something special about the Toyota 86 that evokes a flutter of excitement every time we get in.
Highs: Has heart and soul
Lows: Build quality could be better, more power would be nice
Week 2: It is still the quintessential oldschool sportscar that we’ve come to love so much, but it’s not the most practical one.
Highs: One of the best driver’s cars
Lows: A Yaris hatchback has more space
Week 1: Hooning a car for a few days and living with it on an everyday basis are quite different. We welcome the Toyota 86 to our long-term garage and find out how it fares.
Highs: Hoot to drive, superb chassis
Lows: Not the quickest, notchy gear changes
