
Toyota’s long-awaited GR86 has been on the South African market for just over three months and it has received a warm welcome from local enthusiasts.
The low-slung coupe has sold a total of 23 units since it reached showrooms in November, according to Naamsa’s new-vehicle sales statistics, besting rivals such as the Hyundai i30 N and Subaru WRX, and even its own flesh and blood, the GR Yaris.
Considering the current climate of rising inflation, substantial living costs, and near-record fuel prices – as well as the increasing demand for high-riding SUVs that can handle the country’s poor roads – the purpose-built R700,000 GR86 entered the market at a highly-inopportune time.
However, its boy-racer looks and matching powertrain has the Toyota showing resilience in the face of adverse conditions.
Last of its kind
The GR86 is part of a small-and-shrinking selection of affordable – relatively speaking – two-door sportscars that are built solely for driving pleasure.
It hasn’t been adulterated by plush suspension and heightened ground clearance, neither by four-wheel drive nor turbochargers.
No, the coupe evokes passion with a tail-happy persona and aplomb handling, drawing its power from a 2.4-litre, naturally-aspirated boxer plant with a rather unimpressive-sounding 174kW and 250Nm to play with, mated to a short-throw six-speed manual transmission.
Pure grunt may not be the 86’s trump card but as the saying goes, you don’t need power to have fun, and that rings true for this Toyota.
@topautosa Some highlights of the new Toyota GR86 😍 SOUND ON! 🔊 #soundon #drifting #spinning #hotlap #gr86 #toyota #track #southafrica #sportscar #streetrace #dragrace #trending #carsoftiktok #viral ♬ original sound – TopAuto
By many, the GR was considered to be one of the best cars launched in 2022 – and there were scores upon scores of new autos that debuted throughout the year.
The small niggles of the previous generation, such as diminishing torque in the mid-rev ranges, have been ironed out, and a stiffer chassis in combination with a limited-slip differential and taut dampers has the 86 ripping through racetracks like a skilled veteran.
Not to mention the new design which wouldn’t look out of place in a millionaire’s driveway, boasting a gaping grille, aggressive air inlets, elegant LED lights, and sculpted flanks.
The sports car is also densely packed and kept nearly the same dimensions as before standing 1,310mm tall, 1,775mm wide, and 4,265mm long – coming in at a featherweight 1,270kg – ensuring a lively package that goes anywhere the driver targets it without protest.
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