Preview of the Toyota 86

Borneo Motors recently held a preview drive event for the long awaited Toyota 86 at the grounds of the Changi Exhibition Centre. During the event, we managed to bag short drives of the auto and manual transmission models around a dynamic handling course.

The Toyota 86 or GT86 as known in some markets is inspired by the iconic 1980s AE86 Levin/Trueno/Corolla GT and signifies Toyota's return in making fun and relatively affordable sports cars. The modern day 86 features a new rear-wheel drive platform under its two-door coupe body work. Power comes from a 2-litre flat-four unit with 200bhp and 205Nm. The 86's low centre of gravity and rear-wheel drive layout guarantees unsurpassed fun for a car at its price point, as we found out during the short during the preview.

First impressions are very positive indeed. The low driving position is spot on for fast driving, the controls well placed and feel superb, relaying bucket loads of feel to its driver. The 86 feels superbly balanced and chuckable around the handling course, giving its driver the confidence to egg it on to its handling and adhesion limits.

Borneo Motors will offer both automatic and manual transmission options and two trim levels - S and GS. The latter offers higher levels of standard kit. A TRD model will also be offered at a later date. The S retails for $188,988 while the GS will set you back an additional $10k. All 86s will come with Borneo's extended 5-year/100,000km warranty. Look out for a more comprehensive drive story of the 86 real soon!

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Borneo Motors