Toyota 86 2017 Review - International

Toyota 86 facelift
Preview Drive
Oyama, Japan

Toyota's updated 86 was launched in Japan this week with revised looks and a little extra oomph; well, at least for manual variants. There's also more equipment and a mild update to the model's interior -- changes aimed at keeping the popular and affordable compact coupe fresh. Due to go on sale locally in November this year, it is hoped the revised 86 will stay close to its current sub $30K kick-off price.

The 86 was something of a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks and, importantly, a price that made it attainable.

Since then the 86 has maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defy sports car trends — even those of Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica.

Now, the 86 has been revised with sharper looks, more equipment and a little extra oomph, at least for manual variants. There's worthwhile changes to the suspension and interior, too, and though we're unsure of any price movement at this stage, expect little change in the enormous value equation already on offer. The 86 currently retails from $29,990 (plus on-road costs).

Visually the facelifted 86 is recognised by a lower, sharper front bumper cover said to improve downforce and reduce aerodynamic turbulence over the wheel-wells. The vents and piston badge of the front quarter panel are now omitted, replaced by a smaller, round 86 logo behind the front wheel. All models receive LED tail-lights.

Additionally, high-grade GTS models receive an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler (to replace the plastic unit used previously) and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels, while also adopting LED headlights, DRLs (daytime running lights) and foglights.

There are changes inside, too, including the use of soft-touch Grandluxe material (similar to Alcantara) atop the instrument binnacle and door cards.

The instrument panel itself is faced with a new tachometer (the 7000rpm redline now set at the 12 o’clock position), while the GTS adds a new 4.2-inch MID (multi-information display) with lap-time and G meter.

All models receive Toyota's smallest-ever steering wheel (-3mm to 362) with steering wheel controls added on GTS variants, and all-new upholstery – GT variants score new black cloth and GTS variants perforated a black Grandluxe and leather combination. The infotainment system is unchanged.

Perhaps more important are changes to the 86's suspension. Taking lessons it learnt from Toyota’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring 86, the factory has bolstered spot welding and sheetmetal thickness in the rear-end, stiffening the frame.

The changes are balanced with softer rear springs and dampers (-15 per cent) and a slimmer anti-roll bar (-1mm to 14mm). Up front are firmer coils and dampers (+10 per cent), and an EPAS (electric power-assist steering) re-tune. And let's not forget the inclusion of a 'half-way' mode for the stability control system dubbed 'Track Mode'.

Under the bonnet we find zero changes to automatic variants – the alterations made to manual models resulting in excessive drive-by noise levels on the rev-blipping auto.

For six-speed manual variants the changes extend to a spider-style, cast aluminium intake manifold, new air intake plumbing, buffed intake and exhaust valve stems and a smoother camshaft journal.

Toyota has also remapped the torque curve of the modified manual to bolster response at lower engine speeds. The 212Nm of torque now available arrives 200rpm earlier than before (now 6400-6600rpm) while the 152kW now on offer arrives at an unchanged 7000rpm. Automatic variants still offer 147kW (at 7000rpm) and 205Nm (over 6400-6600rpm).

Fuel consumption figures have yet to be announced, though the 86’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada, indicated a slight reduction for the updated mill. Similarly, 0-100km/h times are also under wraps, though we expected little change from the current model’s 7.6sec (8.2sec for the auto).

We sampled the revised 86 back-to-back with the current model at Fuji Speedways short circuit, and found incremental differences that refine the overall experience. Power changes are appreciably small, but benefit delivery and throttle response when accelerating from corners – as does the changed final drive ratio (now 4.30:1, up from 4.10:1) — helping the 86’s boxer four to rev more freely.

Changes to the suspension are likewise cumulative in effect, refining — rather than rewriting — the feel at the wheel. The softer rear-end improves turn-in while at the same time reducing the 'stepped' progression of the previous model.

The linearity in the way the rear-end loads is appreciably different, improving predictability and aiding placement in corners. We dare say it will also result in a more comfortable ride.

The steering is more consistent in its weighting, the revised mapping of the EPAS system tending to flatten-out the peaks and troughs the current model exhibits during heavy cornering. There's a little more assistance at all speeds, though we wouldn't say this comes at the cost of road feel.

Overall, the changes improve the 86's liveability, as well as the way it communicates with the driver. The chassis is easier to understand, making it easier to pilot at speed and less daunting during sudden direction changes.

It's more difficult to break cornering traction, but far easier to control once sideways, increasing its dynamic threshold and making it faster on a twisting road, while also making it easier to drift beyond the limit on a racetrack.

After our first taste at Fuji, we can't wait to sample the upgraded 86 on our favourite roads and tracks after it arrives Down Under in November.

2017 Toyota 86 manual pricing and specifications:
Price: TBC (currently from $29,990)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol
Output: 152kW/212Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

2017 Toyota 86 auto pricing and specifications:
Price: TBA (currently from $32,490)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol
Output: 147kW/205Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Hyundai Veloster (from $25,050 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Cerato Koup (from $24,190 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda MX-5 (from $31,990 plus ORCs)