Thursday 28th January
Toyota GT86: PH Fleet
Matt relinquishes the key for Nik to get his first taste of the GT86
As you read this, GY15 VFZ will soon be returning to Toyota and I'm asking for compassionate leave to deal with the loss.
Nik writes:
Stepping out of the(the Christmas loan car) and slotting into the low GT86 came as quite a shock. Initially it wasn't a change I enjoyed; it felt like a car from the 90s. The first commute home had me questioning why Matt loved it so much. An engine that barely had any power at low revs, the barren interior, the irritating noise... First impressions weren't inspiring to say the least.
Nik sees the light. Eventually
With fewer drivers on the road, the festive period really allowed me to explore the true nature of the GT86: fun on a budget. After a week of constant use, the '86 started to feel like my favourite old jumper. I was getting up before my alarm to go for long drives. Living in London, heading out to Surrey was my best bet to find anything remotely resembling a driving road.With all the gadgets and insulation on board other cars, you lose out on the raw sensations of driving. The GT86 keeps you informed with excellent feedback through the seat and the steering, fuelling confidence. With no distractions, I was free to concentrate and enjoy the road ahead.
The chassis is absolutely brilliant on country roads, the gear changes are sublime - the only reason I stopped was to replenish the car and myself with fuel. Now I know why Matt and others who drove the GT86 sing its praises so highly.
Powertrain swap?
Hitting the 8,000-mile mark, the ignition barrel is badly scratched and the fake induction noise pumped into the footwell got quite tiresome over a long drive. The seat also left me and my passenger with a backache after a mundane trip on the motorway. Initially I thought the lack of parking sensors would be an issue, but thanks to the excellent visibility parking was a doddle.I agree with Matt's sentiment that adding a supercharger would give it that much needed extra oomph, whilst hopefully improving the rather bland noise also. A Rocket Bunny duck tail spoiler would be something I'd like to add, as well as lowering it to fill out the arches...
After a rocky start to my stint in the '86, the car had left me wanting more and my final drive was a sombre one knowing I had to return the key to its rightful custodian (see, told you so - MB).
FACT SHEET
Car : 2015 Toyota GT86 Primo
Run by : Matt
On fleet since : July 2015
Mileage : 8,254
List price new : £22,495 (and £22,495 as tested! List price £22,700, GT86 Primo currently available with'when ordered and proposed for finance' between 18/12/2015 and 31/03/2016 and registered by 30/06/2016)
Last month at a glance: Another driver behind the wheel and another fan too
Previous reports:
Press car without a single option? Welcome the GT86 Primo!
Three thousand miles in a month gets the '86 run in...
A less exciting month for the GT86 but it's still great!
Fun in the sun with the GT86
Track day hooning to motorway eco driving
The '86 is great as standard, so what about a tuned one?