Toyota GT86 Aero: Review

That bodykit isn't hiding a turbo but there's still much to enjoy with the GT86 Aero

Your Mercedes driving friends will smirk at the interior. Those with Audis won't appreciate the stereo quality. Golf GTD owners will mock the economy and anyone with a Fiesta ST will boast about their torque. And you know what? It doesn't matter. Not one bit. Because for anyone who enjoys driving, the Toyota GT86 Aero is absolutely magnificent.

Well the wheels certainly look good...

We'll come to the Aero modifications (spotted any yet?) in due course but the arrival of this test car was a timely reminder of what's so good about any GT86. 'Driver-focused' is a phrase that's bandied about willy-nilly currently but it's genuinely applicable for the little Toyota. You sit low, the steering wheel comes right out and everything you need to interact with is in the correct place and isn't unnecessarily embellished. The steering wheel is round (!) and controls just the front wheels, not a phone conversation or podcast choice. The seat adjusts as required and supports properly too. The gearknob is small and circular. They are little details, yes, but ones so many are struggling to get right. Put simply, it's a great driving environment, perhaps only slightly spoiled by a sodding great wing in the rear view...

The driving environment is easily matched, if not surpassed, by the driving itself. Again it will sound like a simple and shallow compliment but all the GT86s controls are just, well, right. So often good cars are let down by a sloppy gearchange or vague steering or grabby brakes. No excuses need to be made for the GT86, as everything just feels so finely engineered and honed to behave just how you would wish. If nobody mentioned the electric steering then it would be difficult to guess. Certainly there are many worse hydraulic set-ups.

You'd struggle to park with that out the back

And the GT86 loves to rev. The joy from revving out an atmospheric engine to beyond 7,000rpm, grabbing another gear with that now largely redundant left-foot/hand combo and going again is unfamiliar and fantastic. There's no lag to work around, no sudden spike of torque or a breathlessness towards the limiter, just linear response and a willingness above 4,500rpm that's all too easy to oblige. Yes, the sound isn't brilliant but it's an absolute tonic after an onslaught of turbos.

But we knew all this about the GT86 beforehand. It just needed to be stressed once more. So what of the GT86 Aero? There's the bodykit which we'll leave you to make your own mind up about. The biggest change dynamically from a standard GT86 is the wheel/tyre combo. The 17-inch wheels and Michelin Primacy rubber have now been replaced by 18-inch OZ Superleggeras with Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tyres. There's a fraction more rubber on the road too, the tyres now 225 rather than 215 section.

Even having not driven a standard GT86 for a while, there's a tangible difference between standard and Aero. There's immediately more lateral grip and traction but, crucially, more progression and communication when their purchase is lost too. The standard car's transition from grip to slip can be a little sudden and vague but the Yokohamas give a much clearer picture of what's going on. Which is great.

Simples pleasure inside remain

Because, let's be honest, that's what the GT86 is about. It's not some wild drift machine, we know that. But it does permit some mischief at junctions and little squiggles from roundabouts, plus that inherent sense of rightness from having the front wheels steering the car and the rear wheels powering it. It's a world of handling (and enjoyment) unknown to its FWD rivals, made all the more exploitable with the new tyres.

The same criticisms of the GT86 remain with the Aero as well. For those spoilt by a modern turbocharged petrol or diesel it will feel light on torque. It can't just be left in fourth and expected to haul from 2,000rpm. Change down and use some revs, that's how it needs to be driven. Enjoy it while we still can!

Oh alright, some additional torque would be nice on occasion to exploit the fantastic handling balance. And the interior isn't the best. But we should be praising the GT86 and indeed the BRZ for what they are, rather than criticising them for what they lack. No car is perfect, after all.

Still fantastic, but so are those without wings...

Ultimately though the GT86 Aero is difficult to justify in the recently refreshed GT86 range. If the bodykit is for you then great, but the overwhelming response during our time with the car was less favourable. The tyres are a welcome change dynamically, and the wheels are good for the looks, but they could be purchased separately and added to a GT86 Primo which is £5K cheaper. While we're discussing wheels, they do look great on Volk TE37s...

Therefore the Toyota GT86 still comes highly recommended, but basic is most certainly best. Now wait and watch for the 'you could get a used xxx for that much!' crew to arrive...

TOYOTA GT86 AERO
Engine: 1,998cc boxer four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 200@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@6,400-6,600rpm
0-62mph: 7.7sec
Top speed: 140mph
Weight: 1,275kg
MPG: 36.2mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 192g/km
Price: £27,495 (before options. Price as tested £28,245 with Touch and Go sat-nav at £750)

[Source: FT86club, images by Ben Lowden]

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GTEYE

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