By: Krish Persaud
September 13, 2022
Finding a sports car is getting easier and easier thanks to all the options available to the average consumer. However finding one with a manual transmission is getting harder to find. We are aware that we cannot shift as quickly as the current dual-clutch automatics on the market, but purists need not despair—there are still options available.
Looking back, we can say that in 2011 we first got a glimpse of what Toyota and Subaru were planning and how they intended to win our hearts without draining our wallets.
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ were developed in order to reignite the excitement in the lineup. In North America, the Toyota 86 was marketed as the Scion FR-S. (front-engine, rear-drive, sport). The first-generation Toyota/Subaru sports coupe underwent minor changes over the years, but the second-generation model was unveiled in 2021, bringing something completely new to the market.
As the days grew longer and the summer breeze began to blow, it was time to put this Toyota to the test and see how well it performed. Toyota Canada graciously agreed to our request for a weeklong test of the 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium. Our test vehicle had a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, Trueno Blue paint, and an eight speaker sound system.
A 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24 Subaru Engine with Toyota D4-S) generating 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 RPM powers our 2022 Toyota GR86. Off the line, we definitely noticed the difference between the current generation and the previous generation. The power dip issue has undoubtedly been eliminated because the maximum torque is now available at such a low RPM compared to the previous generation’s peak of 6,600 RPM.
The 2022 Toyota GR86 comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic transmission is also offered. Our GR86 Premium test vehicle’s manual transmission shifts through the gears with ease, the clutch pedal is light but precise, and even though active rev matching isn’t available, having retro fun with your own rev matching on downshifts kept us smiling.
With the sport-tuned front and rear suspension, a 50% increase in torsional rigidity, aluminum hood, fenders, and roof, as well as Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, the engineers did a fantastic job of improving the overall ride quality over the previous generation. It takes the bumps well while keeping the car fairly flat through the corners, which is a win-win. With the perfect amount of feedback, the electronic steering communicates with you without sacrificing its feel.
The GR86 features a 6-way manual adjustable driver seat and a 4-way adjustable passenger seat in alcantara & leather, both of which are extremely supportive and have just the right amount of padding to keep you comfortable for hours on end.
During our week with the GR86, we achieved a respectable 10.1L/100km with a mix of sporty and relaxed driving in both city and highway driving. According to Toyota, the GR86 is rated at 11.9L/100km in the city and 8.7L/100km on the highway. Increased power and torque over the previous generation help make for a fun drive, but be sure to keep your eyes open because the 50-liter gas tank, which needs 91-octane fuel, will go empty in no time.
This Toyota has an eight-inch color touchscreen that is simple to use and seamlessly works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The eight speakers that are included with the Premium package play your favourite music admirably, but we wish the low frequencies were represented more accurately.
This sports coupe is only available in two trim levels, with a starting price of $31,490 for the base trim, $33,800 for the automatic transmission, $34,490 for the Premium with a 6-speed manual (which is the trim we are testing), and $36,890 for the Premium with the automatic transmission.
With the 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium you can’t just concentrate on the horsepower and torque numbers, as you are not buying this car for straight-line dominance; you are buying it for track days on the weekends and daily-driver comfort during the week. The naturally aspirated flat-four with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual gearbox had us grinning ear to ear. Try one out; you’ll love it.
Related Content:
2022 Mazda MX-5 GS-P