View Single Post
      07-25-2012, 02:07 PM   #684
GoingTooFast
Banned
89
Rep
1,247
Posts

Drives: fat cars are still boats
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: compensating a fat car with horsepower is like giving an alcoholic cocaine to sober him up.

iTrader: (0)

Toyota GT 86 vs rivals


Quote:
Verdict

The Toyota GT 86 is a back-to-basics sports car that follows a classic recipe to deliver a smile-a-minute driving experience. It’s the sort of car that makes you seek out a twisty road rather than take the direct route – and it wins this test.

But only by the smallest of margins – because we think the 1.8 TFSI is the best TT in the range. The engine is punchy, refined and efficient. The Audi handles like a hot hatch, plus it’s comfortable, has a great cabin and is cheaper to own than its rivals.

However, the fact that the agile Toyota is surprisingly refined and easy to live with narrowly keeps it ahead of the stylish TT. Unfortunately, aside from its power advantage, the more expensive Nissan 370Z is comprehensively outclassed and comes third. Toyota has proved that it has rediscovered some of its sparkle and the GT 86 is our pick.

Winner: Toyota GT 86 ★★★★★
The beautifully engineered GT 86 offers the sort of engagement normally reserved for cars like the Lotus Elise. The boxer engine loves working hard and the handling is near perfect. Yet despite its focus it rides well, and the cabin is comfortable, if a little dated.

2nd: Audi TT ★★★★★
It doesn’t have the traditional rear-wheel-drive balance and engagement of the Toyota, but the front-driven TT is composed, fast and fun. Part coupe, part stylised hot hatch, its lower emissions make it the best company car choice, and with a decent boot, it’s the most practical.

3rd: Nissan 370Z ★★★
On paper, the rear-wheel-drive, V6-engined Nissan has all the right ingredients to succeed in this test. Unfortunately its gruff engine, hefty weight and poorly controlled chassis let it down. Although it’s the fastest car here, it’s also the most expensive to buy and own


Toyota GT 86 coupe


Pros:
■Hugely entertaining handling
■Lots of standard equipment
■Value for money, price

Cons:
■Dated cabin design and cheap plastics
■Cramped rear seats
■Engine feels sluggish at low speeds


Quote:
Drive 4.8 /5

The GT 86 is most at home on a twisty back road

Thanks to its simple front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout, the beautifully balanced Toyota GT 86 delivers traditional driving thrills. The steering is direct and full of feedback, allowing you to place the GT 86 on the road with pinpoint accuracy. And while the Toyota lacks the outright grip of the Audi TT or Nissan 370Z, it's lower limits make the car's handling feel much more approachable and adjustable. Strong brakes and a precise gearshift complete the impressive driving dynamics. The only weak point is the 197bhp 2.0-litre flat-four engine, which feels a little sluggish at low speeds. Still, what it lacks in outright performance, it makes up for with a growling exhaust note.

Comfort 3.9 /5

The GT 86 is well-suited to everyday use

Given its sportscar status, the Toyota GT 86 is surprisingly comfortable. The suspension is firm, yet does a good job of soaking up bumps, while the raucous engine dies down to a distant hum on the motorway. And while wind and road noise aren’t quite as well suppressed as in an Audi TT, the GT 86 is still a remarkably relaxing long distance cruiser. What's more, the heavily bolstered, high backed seats are supremely supportive.

Reliability 4.5 /5

Toyota is well-known for making very reliable cars

Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability – and there's no reason to expect the GT 86 will be any different. The 2.0-litre flat-four engine is normally aspirated, so there are no complicated turbochargers or superchargers, while the car's lightweight construction means brakes and tyres should have an easy life. And while some of the materials used in the cabin look and feel a little cheap, overall build quality is first rate. There should be no safety worries either, as every GT 86 gets a full complement of seven airbags as standard, plus there's the added reassurance of electronic stability control.

Practicality 3.8 /5

Not ideal for carrying larger items

Given that it's billed as a sportscar, it's no surprise to find the Toyota can’t match a family hatchback for space. However, it also struggles to match versatile coupe rivals such as the VW Scirocco for space. The two rear seats are only really suitable for children, while the boot can only swallow 243 litres of luggage. At least there's a folding rear bench, while the cabin is full of useful storage, including decent sized door bins and a large glovebox. Those sitting up front get plenty of head and legroom, while the driver will have no problem finding a comfortable driving position thanks to a wide range of seat and wheel adjustment.

Value for money 4.5 /5

Very impressive level of standard equipment

It's hard fault the Toyota GT 86 when it comes to value for money. For roughly the same price as an entry-level Audi TT, you get a car that's much better quipped and backed by a longer warranty. There's only one mode, but it has the amount of standard kit normally reserved for an expensive executive saloon. A touch screen sat-nav, Bluetooth handsfree phone connection and heated seats all feature, as do powerful xenon headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. And as with every Toyota, the GT 86 is backed by a generous five year, 100,000-mile guarantee.

Running costs 3.1 /5

The GT 86 is not as fuel efficient as its rivals

The average official fuel economy figure for the GT 86 is 36.2mpg, with emissions of 181g/km, putting it in Road Tax band I - which is quite high. While the mpg figure may be achievable on longer journeys, heavy use of the throttle will no doubt see this figure drop quite considerably, resulting in regular fuel stops. However, the added peace of mind of a five year warranty should help to keep any unscheduled repair costs to a minimum.
Appreciate 0