2018 Toyota 86 VTX Car

Launched in 2012, the Toyota 86 (pronounced eight-six, not eighty six) was an honest take on providing a very entertaining, undiluted driving experience. The light and zippy car weighs just 1,200 kg, and looks like an honest and practical sporty car should. With new LED equipped headlamps, and a broader, longer grill the new Toyota 86 looks sporty and like it means serious business. The 17-inch alloys and the broad 215/45R17 tires along with the short overhangs give the T-86 a squatting profile. The low roof, while helping the car look sporty, also helps achieve an extremely low center of gravity.

The interiors are quite basic and functional at best. This car has a 2+2 seating layout, which means the rear 2 seats have to be accessed by folding the front row seats, naturally compromising on the ingress, egress and overall comfort of the rear seat occupants. So the rear seats on the T-86 are best suited for kids, or a couple of shopping bags.  It is clear that providing a very luxurious and comfortable feel was not the primary intention of the designers. But what they have provided instead is a very functional interior, that doesn’t distract the driver or dilute the pure driving experience that the car is designed to provide. Even the smartly designed gear lever conveys this message in a subtle, but unmistakable manner.

The Toyota 86 project was developed along with Subaru, and the 2.0L boxer engine on this car is from Subaru’s engine inventory. The motor is naturally-aspirated and delivers its 200HP and 205NM in a very refined and linear fashion. The 6-speed automatic transmission also is well suited to the engine’s character and aids in not diluting the fun factor from the overall driving experience.

Available in just one variant – VTX, the Toyota 86 is well kitted. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD & brake assist, Dual front airbags, curtain and driver knee airbags too, ESP, a limited slip differential to enhance high speed cornering ability, cruise control, hill start assist and tire pressure warning too!