Performance and style

It’s a rarity but, every once in a while, a car comes along that is fresh, sophisticated and packs more pleasant surprises than a box of sugary cereal.

The Toyota 86 is a model that offers style, performance and good looks but, perhaps most importantly, it does it all for a shockingly respectable price.

Interestingly the name of the car is pronounced eight six, not eighty-six, I’m not sure why, but I certainly got a few chuckles from the employees at the Toyota showroom when I made that error. However, a rose by any other name … as goes the saying from the Bard of Avon.

The model was developed jointly by Japanese manufacturers Toyota and Subaru and as such, is sold around the world under three different brands: Toyota (Toyota 86 in Japan, South Africa and Australia and Toyota GT86 in Europe), Subaru (Subaru BRZ) and Scion (Scion FR-S).

First impressions matter and the 86 certainly makes a big impression. Sleek curves, smooth surfaces and a no nonsense approach to sporting style make this model a delight to behold.

If it wasn’t obvious that this car was made for driving pleasure from its exterior, it becomes crystal clear inside. Aside from the not so subtle button marked ‘sport mode’ and the paddle shifters, it also boasts race car-esque pedals.

The cockpit is small but certainly not cramped and everything is driver-focused and clearly laid out. In terms of aesthetics, it certainly looks ‘the business’ thanks to the suede-looking seats with leather trim but its strength lies in the subtleties. The Toyota GT 86 interior also features the world’s first frameless rearview mirror.

There’s ample leg room for front passengers and also enough space in the back to accommodate a child, perhaps even a small adult. However, at a modest 5”11, I didn’t dare try and get back there for fear of being stuck.

Tap the push-start ignition and you’re away on a drive that you’ll not soon forget.

While cruising through Adliya I noticed how smooth the ride was and how responsive the steering felt. I was having an enjoyable time rolling along in this tranquil residential area, but it wasn’t long before the highway beckoned.

To simply say this car is great for highway driving is an understatement. When I had some space to open up the throttle and let loose, the tiptronic gearbox provided timely and smooth shifting ... that’s if, for some bizarre reason, you don’t fancy using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

When I found a suitable stretch of highway I found out this car packs quite a punch under the bonnet thanks to its Subaru-derived 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated 200bhp petrol engine, which pumps out 147kW of power and 205Nm of torque.

The 86 goes from 0-100kmph in around eight seconds, which is deceptive because, thanks to the car’s impressive torque and low centre of gravity, it feels like you’re going much faster.

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise is the way the 86 handles. It genuinely ranks up there with some of the more expensive sports cars I’ve driven thanks to the precision steering and responsiveness to the slightest touch.

Another surprise worth noting is that there is a ‘snow’ mode, which I can’t help but feel is a trifle unnecessary in Bahrain, but it did make me laugh, as did the built-in seat heaters. 

However, as far as performance for money goes, you’ll be hard pressed to find a drive more enjoyable than the Toyota 86.

Prices start from BD12,400. For details, call 17730730 or visit www.ekkanoo.com.bh