2015 Toyota 86 Review

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the Toyota 86 first launched in Australia. Initially a consistent top-seller in the local sports car bracket, that same success has not been matched globally. And so far this year, sales are actually down more than 30 per cent.
So why has the love affair worn off? Was it all just hype?
Since it’s launch, the Toyota 86 has been offered in two trims: an entry-level GT and this flagship GTS.
Priced from $29,990, the GTS starts at $35,990.
Standard kit on the 86 includes cruise control, a reversing camera and a six-speaker stereo with a 6.1-inch touchscreen featuring Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming.
Prettying up the outside are fog lights, HID headlights, these 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and dual chrome exhausts.
Inside, you get basic but clear climate controls, you get some faux-carbonfibre touches, this frameless rear-view mirror and, for the driver, a very cool white-faced central tacho.
These seats are also pretty awesome - the central fabric section really does keep you and passenger right where you need to be, rather than sliding all over the place like find in full-leather seats.
Back here is, well, it's a little bit snug. But I'm six-foot-tall and I've still got some headroom. Obviously reserved for only two passengers, the back seats are probably best kept for storing bags and maybe, for emergencies only.
Tucked into this cute little rear you get a 218-litre boot. Now that can actually be expanded by simply dropping the one-piece rear seat backrest forward, giving you into enough space for four full-size wheels or two golf bags - which is pretty impressive.
Now to the source of debate on internet forums the world over: the engine.
Co-developed with Subaru, the 86 gets a 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’, spitting out 147kW and 205Nm.
Disappointingly for enthusiasts, both the 86 and BRZ continue to be naturally aspirated.
On the road the 86 feels small and light, and well, that’s because it is.
Now, fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km isn’t great, but that does drop to 7.1L/100km if you go for the six-speed automatic transmission.
But this is an 86. People don't buy this car for fuel consumption do they? They buy an 86 because it’s fun to drive… isn’t it?
Out here, the first thing you notice is just how good this steering is. It is a little bit heavy, but it’s consistent and super sharp.
The brakes too aren't bad.
The chassis is an absolute pearler. The car sits pretty flat and although it does actually have some roll, its compliance and comfort levels are actually quite good. The ride itself around town and around here, is more than liveable.
Let's talk about the engine. Let's talk about the noise specifically.
Yes, it’s piped into the cabin via some plastic piping and yes it does sound a little flat and tinny. But, the noise does let you know what the revs are doing, which is very helpful and helps with the communication between car and driver.
There's also reasonable torque between 3000 and 4000rpm around town but if you have the chance to hunt down that 7400rpm redline - especially out here - then there's plenty more enjoyment to be had.
While the engine performance itself might not be quite what you'd expect in your normal sports car, the throttle response is absolutely sublime.
And that means you can do little cheeky lifts of the throttle to get the weight onto the front wheels and boost agility even further.
And you know what? The more you drive it like this, the more it makes sense.
I don't think it ever was hype with the 86. I think it's good and properly good fun.
It’s hard to know why Australians have started to fall out of love with poor little Toyota 86.
It’s the only new rear-wheel-drive sports car you can buy for the money, it’s smartly packaged and it's one hell of an entertaining drive. Perhaps, like a lot of love affairs, the thrill has just simply worn off. And if that’s the case, that's a shame.
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[@TripedalTroductions]

back seats for "emergencies only" I see what you did there lol

[@mark-qi6di]

5 years later, this car has grown on me.

[@Countrysideboy247]

I don't want features, I just want performance and looks and she is the baby!

[@myhomeanddreamgarden]

Hmmm I am 66 years old retired woman and for last 5 years I am driving this red sexy car and not thinking even to get rid of it. =)

[@nodad8763]

I think sales have gone down because everyone's bought one.

[@stinger15au]

+Savindu Wijesuriya this. The reality is, its a niche car, most people/familes can't really have it as their only car. I know plenty of people who want one, but life circumstance means they can't. For the first 3 years after launch EVERYONE bought one, so cheap, great value and a excellent product. They will still sell, but look at the numbers this way, 70% of 10000 is alot more than 120% of 100. Which is what is happening.

[@CB-sr5jp]

...and are too reliable and fun to replace.

[@oneplumpboi5317]

I remember first seeing this on the road when I was a teenager. Thought damn that's one sexy car. Then I got into cars. Damn that's one great car. Edit: I have a WRX since I couldn't find a good 86 for a decent price, but if given the chance, I would swap the WRX for the 86 anyday. Double Edit: Bought my 86. People said it wouldn't be as fun as the WRX. I think they're wrong. The only fun part of the wrx is the boost, but the tail happy and sweet handling of the 86 is great.

[@Drinapropriatetouch]

I think it's sometimes hard in a world of more powerful, more practical hot hatches to justify the 86. I've always loved it though.

[@vivianl2680]

Plannning on buying the Toyota 86 GTS in Manual in 2020 when I get my P's. hopefully it'll still be around, fell in love with this car when I first saw it. Currently working part time to save for it too :)

[@coopsnz1]

buy A 2012 model for 15k aud

[@nodad8763]

I actually like the non forced induction engine because it's great fun attaching a supercharger or turbo but that's cuz I love modifying things.

[@itsmeprad]

Gonna get one straight after I get my licence after a month or so. Love this car!

[@simplebryll123]

Prad Nepal I'm getting one too this September , although I still use a Learners license, good thing I still don't have my own family so I don't need to buy a bigger car Maybe I'm getting a red one I can't wait

[@Kingwij]

Picking mine up at the weekend, in orange. Cannot wait! Will be a blast!

[@helpmeasshole]

how was it? any notes?

[@Kingwij]

+ILoveMyPC it's great mate tbh, can be cramped with more than 2 people. Reasonably quick, real head turner, AMAZING DRIVING FEEL. Comfy, awesome sound system, for me. It's perfect. But maybe isn't for everyone, if you think you like it. You'll love it.

[@po3tik1]

Awesome man :) this will be my next car. I don't need a practical family car.... this would be a great daily driver.

[@xkimopye]

I’m getting an orange one too, next weekend, can’t wait, so excited

[@johannco9225]

"eight-six" i think there are very few of us

[@jonleong22]

The 86 is available with optional Full size spare on 2015 models.

[@Palomeque_sr5]

INCREDIBLE CAR.

[@Allnew_K]

Beautiful

[@user-ko4ji6cu2d]

Wanted to get this car (2015 model) but a local mechanic told me to stay away from this car as there a few issues, tried looking for reviews but nothing too bad, any thoughts?

[@Countrysideboy247]

They should make the rear tail lights a bit sleeker! Otherwise I like everything!

[@DerpEye]

Imho the sales went down because the car still costs too much to be affordable for its intended customers (20-30 y/olds). At least here in EU. The car costs 30k€, and it sits in between smaller hot hatches and more expensive premium C segment cars. They need to put on the market the new S-FR concept, sub 20k compact rwd, with less hp but better weight/power ratio.

[@stinger15au]

+DerpEye In Australia that isn't the case. You can get one on the road for $30k aud or 19500 Euro right now and the fully loaded with everything car is still only 26k Euro. That is why they sold thousands of them, 3% of all new cars in its peak month. They are as common as anything now, which is a good thing.

[@tiagobernardo6807]

It really needs a facelift and 20/30 more naturally aspirated horses.

[@_danieljr]

I have a 2016 FR-S does anyone know if I could switch out the regular halogen headlights for these cool led headlights

[@channel3mcfurley]

test drove a new one today, coming from owning a vw mk5 gti (with identical power/torque and weighs more) the 86 feels significantly more sluggish. handles quite nicely but. they definitely need a turbo option

[@samanthareed2298]

is the gt a stick shift?

[@Aearonjer]

Haven't fallen out of love, just took me 8 years to save for one. Recently bought a used 86. Never buy new.

[@kissybundalian3969]

i think sales have gone down because, they sold so many in the 1st 3 years, which means there's plenty of 2nd hand quality vihicles floating araound. and why would you buy brand new 86? from 2012 to 2016 its basically the same car. just $5000 more ithink. i bought a 2013 gts exactly a year ago i paid $29000 with 40000ks on the clock, mind you i got it from dealership, which means if you're gonna buy from a private seller you're looking at $23000 to $27000 depending on the condition. it was $35000 when it came out. brand new gts last year when i was shopping was nearly $40000. not much different from 2013 model. so it just make sense that the sales have gone down.

[@shinren_]

lol in the netherlands they're now like 17.000 to 22.000

[@PM-wb6tb]

eighty six!! my goodness!!

[@1NOHERO]

hey nice review im thinking of getting BRZ here in NZ for around 20-25k and im not after the most speed for buckz mostly i want to pimp my ride and put wide rocket body kit and so on what other cars should i be looking at too in that price pool

[@dennyreid9534]

Red sta Nissan 350z or if you save money, 370z

[@avrilcadabra]

better off buying a second hand one and a turbo kit, they look nice though.

[@coopsnz1]

Why don't you just buy a wrx

[@g.b4017]

Ben Chesterman or the brz

[@precious888chua]

one question, does the petrol really needs to be 98 octane?

[@po3tik1]

Yes - that's the manufacturer recommendation

[@buse0824]

Anyone know the service costs after 3 years? Is this vehicle expensive to service and maintain ?

[@Drivecomau]

+buse - Toyota list their service plans and costs on their website.

[@azzkun]

initial D brought me here

[@ristrellaconti1005]

How is this different from a Scion FRS?

[@stinger15au]

+Ristrella Conti It isn't. This was filmed in Australia where it is sold by toyota as the "86" and Subaru as the "BRZ". Essentially the same car as the FRS except here in Aus we get more things as standard

[@jspr7859]

I'd buy the 2015 version than 2017

[@neelparmar6690]

I've always called it eighty-six due to the bore and stroke having that value but the presenter calls it 8-6. Which is correct?

[@michael3088]

8-6. In Japan it's called a Hatchi Roku. they have a different way of saying units of ten so 86 is incorrect

[@computercomputer1462]

Be cautious of bike riders around corners. Good review though :)

[@computercomputer1462]

bicycling pedaller*

[@robiulahmed]

It's not appreciated in its time, but in 30 years time, they will be very sought after due to their apparent rarity.

[@Anonymous-gg9ng]

+Robiul Ahmed They are not rare.

[@robiulahmed]

Anonymous Maybe where you are. You don't see too many of them about Southern England and hardly any in the UAE.

[@thunderstance8103]

its a production car so it wont inflate in 30 years hell i see lots of 60s mustangs for only 2000$

[@robiulahmed]

thunderstance Maybe in some parts of the World they're common, so in those places, sure they won't reach classic car status.However, like I said earlier, in Southern England you don't see too many and in the UAE you barely see any at all, and in those places they're likely to end up having classic status and command a classic premium. Case in point: Land Rover Defender - dirt cheap in England, extortionately expensive in the UAE. Think about it, the ae86, at one time was a bog standard Japanese coupe. Nothing ground breaking about it and it wasn't a class leader for performance. Look how much a clean example of those goes for. Same with the Escort Mexico, Ford Capri, the original M3, even a DC2 Integra type r. There's just something about coupes that make them desirable motors long after their production run ended.

[@johneldepresso8564]

Arm Head just like the Supra eh?

[@detective3728]

BR-Z WRX 2,5 Boxer Turbo Toyota GT86 TRD 2,0 Turbo- from the new Lexus IS 200T ? That´s how it should be, if you asked me. .)

[@coopsnz1]

It would be. 40 k with a turbo

[@detective3728]

Ben Chesterman Nah.

[@zdenojasoyasho3077]

In Australia we using ,,m ,, metre measure ! ! !

[@swifthd3899]

Buying this car when im off my red p's

[@cjdacka]

Where was this filmed? Kangaroo ground?

[@cjdacka]

***** Pretty close haha.

[@Drivecomau]

***** With roads around all of these areas being so good, you can hardly blame us for wanting to shoot there.

[@Drivecomau]

***** Good eyes :)

[@cjdacka]

***** They should come and film in Diamond Valley :P

[@xconankunx4530]

+cjdacka it's filmed at the Bolte Bridge, in Docklands, Melbourne, Australia. they didn't film the homeless dude that lives by there.

[@janegraham7180]

Toyota 8 6 ?

[@shanenaidu213]

it's failing because 1. too many on road and 2. getting more power out of it a expensive feat and not that many ppl can afford to go all the way to build it right

[@stinger15au]

+shanenaidu213 1) Noone expected them to be rare 2) Anything upto 50hp is cheap and easy, which is MORE than enough for the draconian police state we have now 3) It isn't failing at all, simply that they sold SO many in the first 2 years, there simply isn't enough people for growth. Aus is the 3rd largest market in the WORLD for the twins. 70% of 10000 is ALOT more than some other car selling 110% of 1000

[@UnsyNZ]

always annoyed me how australian car reviewers use kw for power and not hp

[@Drivecomau]

+UnsyNZ - the metric pain! When will it end... :)

[@UnsyNZ]

+CarAdvice.com You have a point, i mean, I do prefer metric for the vast majority of units, but I guess im just used to hp when it comes to cars.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

It always annoys me when Americans use old units that are not even consistent with each other

[@josephberrigan8739]

man why the fuck is everything on the wrong side

[@Drivecomau]

+Joseph Berrigan - it's the bizzaro universe we like to call 'Australia'.

[@josephberrigan8739]

+CarAdvice.com wow man. your immediate response to my dumbass comment just earned you a sub!

[@Drivecomau]

+Joseph Berrigan - immediate responses to dumbass comments is our national pastime :) Welcome! And we hope you enjoy the channel

[@markcaldwell01]

thumbs down simply because of the way he says eight six instead of 86.

[@Drivecomau]

Mark Caldwell See above and swap out your thumbs down for a thumbs up :)

[@Alex-zd1oq]

eight-six and br-zed ok buddy

[@mehmetatesel260z7]

It's an eighty six not eight six

[@oneplumpboi5317]

No, it's definitely an Eight-six. It comes from how the Japanese pronounced it from the original "AE86" which is also known as Hachiroku. The same way you call it a Three-fifty Z and not a three-hundred and fifty Z

[@shikshanhindi8769]

8 6, renault meh-gaaaaan

[@chevy-is-a-good-boy]

Needs power...

[@coopsnz1]

Would cost 38 k with a turbo. . Because clutch and intercooler will be more cost

[@stinger15au]

+kaijuchevrolet its got the right amount for the job, maybe 50hp more, but nothing a tune/exhaust can't fix

[@streetsandpeaks3013]

Best ads before a review ever! #victoriasecret

[@benjohnston8665]

a $3000 toyota soarer from 1991 has more hp than this thing. Shame because it looks so nice

[@aaron5726]

nice lie at 5:17

[@joelrobertson5149]

Definitely pronounced eight-six

[@coldude09]

it is over rated, they made it too cheap, and it shows.

[@superravmanrampage]

coldude09 made cheap? have you actually driven one? they are far from cheaply made

[@nodad8763]

The 86 is not a supercar so I wouldn't expect a thrilling interior, if it was more expensive sales would of been even more lower.

[@nurbsenvi]

+superravmanrampage Perhaps you've never been in an expensive car.

[@stinger15au]

+coldude09 Toyota 86 single-handedly outsold all cars from brands such as Lexus, Fiat, Chrysler, Volvo, Renault, Opel and Peugeot. It also outsold the Toyota Aurion. It has lived upto the hype and more.

[@endzmeetmusic9053]

Plain old boring Toyota. Let the Vietnamese buy them