Test Driven the 86
 

Apparently the demo car for Toyota HK has arrived for a few weeks now. I've recently got a test drive from it.

Just took a pic outside of the dealer, weather was really shitty that day.
http://ww2.sinaimg.cn/bmiddle/708328...scy27knfij.jpg
The car is a JDM spec G trim in 6AT. So I guess its pretty much what the FR-S trim is. The official cars from Toyota HK will be GT and GT Limited. So we will get all the luxury like keyless go, auto climate control, LSD, white gauges with digital speedo, etc


After driven it,I think The car handles great, didn't really had the chance to test it out fully, but got a good feeling about it and its pretty small and agile. The size is around the same as a RSX, but quite a bit lower. Other than handle better than the RSX, power wise and day to day driving, the 86 is still the same as any other economic japanese coupe. the only difference is that the 86 is right wheel drive compare to the rest!

I guess I was expecting the car to be more sporty. I'm quite disappointed that its not hardcore enough. its nothing close to the hardcore type like the FD2 Type R which is also priced in the same range.

All I can say is that the car is much more capable than its stock setting. The current stock setting would be adequate for the 200HP, easy to drive and with the wimpy tires, while it does allow anyone to have some fun. but still the car is awfully slow! With 100 more HP, better suspension and better tires. This car will be much more fun! I'd say the comparison would be like a regular Elise and an Exige.

I now have a firm order with Toyota HK for the GT trim.

There will be more and more responses to the car such as this, because of how much the car has been hyped up, people will expect a lot more than what it really is. I'm not surprised.

The FD2 Type R if released in the states would have been way over $30k maybe even $35k.

It's an awesome car and I believe even beat the S2K in a race around Motegi or Tsukuba?

But it's no comparison to the 86.

I just think there's a disconnect between what people want and what this car is.

I predict a lot of used models after the first year.

+1 Totally agree.

Another truthful reviewer, welcome to the dark side ft86club.

Did an exchange in HK back in 2009 (HKUST). Just out of curiousity, how much does the GT 86 go for there. I remember thinking that gas prices were outrageous in HK (and I'm from Hawaii!).

FD2 Type R in Japan's retail price was actually lower than the 86!!! It was even faster than the NSX-R on tsukuba!

I paid 310k HKD for a brand new FD2, and sold it for 280k just a few months ago, I don't expect the 86 to hold value as well as the FD2 thats for sure.

Even tho both cars drives very differently, but I can't say they are not the same class. 200HP (Type R is actually 220HP, but whatever, 20HP isnt alot), lightweight, high revving engine.

Luckily, Toyota didn't made a "85", something like a 1.6L Flat 4 with 150HP
something like the RSX base.... otherwise, the FR-S would really become a RSX/Civic coupe replacement!!!

in HK they call the packages sport and sport +

which is the same as GT and GT Limited in Japan.

pricing starts at 355k for 6MT sport.

It seems like many of the test drives where people think the car lacked power were in the automatics. Or is it just me?

Would make sense with the auto gearbox having significantly longer gears... pretty much 2 overdrives.

I am just going to stick with the 6 MT and hope for the best come test drive day.

Whoa! That's $45,800USD! No wonder everyone takes the MTR!

Yeah, there will be alot of people disappointed. I would not be disappointed with the car's power. I have a 2011 Civic Si and it moves enough for me.

Right now, I think I could be disappointed not being able to take advantage of the car's purpose. Maybe that will change when I'm familiar with how a rwd reacts to aggressive driving.

I wouldn't blame the car though. We are all aware of what the car is meant to do. It's a matter of how we utilize the car.

Fall back car for me would be a 370z.

Keep it in context though - IIRC HK housing is unbelievably expensive, small condos go for $1 mill US. HK'ers come to Vancouver (an expensive market by NA standards) and snap up (or custom build) huge houses for the price they pay for apartments there. Salaries in HK must be enormous.

I had a feeling about this part. I knew it was going to be a better handling version of my car.

Definitely. During my time there, it became clear that housing and personal transportation are very expensive in HK (space is at a premium). I know some people that are working there, and I think salaries are comparable to the US (and in some cases, lower).

Our housing in Hawaii is hugely overpriced, too. Thank goodness they kept the US-spec FR-S relatively affordable...:happy0180: