The Toyota 86, probably the firm’s most eagerly anticipated model in recent years, is finally being launched in South Africa this week with prices starting at R298 500.
Under the bonnet lies Subaru’s four-cylinder, 2,0-litre horizontally-opposed (boxer) engine developing 147 kW at 7 000 r/min and 205 N.m at 6 600 r/min. Depending on the model that you choose, this engine will either be mated with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission (the latter only being offered with High specification level). Toyota claims a top speed of 226 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7,8 litres/100 for the manual and 7,1 litres/100 km for the automatic, while CO2 emissions stand at 181 g/100 km and 164 g/100 km respectively.
The 86 is 4 240 mm long, 1 285 mm high and has a 2 570 mm long wheelbase. It sports a 53:47 front to rear weight distribution and a low (475 mm) centre of gravity.
There are three 86 variants available and two specification levels. The Standard specification features colour-coded front and rear bumpers, dual exhaust tail pipe and diffuser, painted colour door handles, halogen front headlamps with manual levelling, high-mounted stop lamp, rear foglamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, 15-inch ventilated front brake disks and 15-inch solid rear brake disks. Opting for the High spec will get you colour-coded door handles with keyless entry, HID front headlamps with automatic levelling, headlamp washers, 17-inch alloy wheels, 16-inch ventilated front brake discs and 15-inch ventilated rear brake discs.
Standard comfort, convenience and safety features across the range include a three-spoke leather steering wheel, air-con (climate control on the High spec), leather interior details, an audio system that can handle CDs, MP3s and USB and auxiliary devices, ABS, vehicle stability control, an array of airbags and Isofix child seat anchorage points. For a full list of features on all models, download the specification sheet by clicking on the “documents” tab in the top right-hand corner of the image block.
The 86 is a very important car for Toyota. The company has been accused of being somewhat conservative in its product offering of late and the 86 could well be the perfect counter to such criticism. We cannot wait to drive it.
Pricing:
Toyota 86 Standard 6-speed Manual R298 500;
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Manual R329 400;
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Auto R346 500.
All new 86 models come with a four-year/60 000 km service plan (service intervals are every 15 000 km), a three-year/100 000 km warranty and ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance.
CAR’s Ian McLaren is currently on the 86 media launch. Keep your eyes on CARmag.co.za for a driving impression.