A Look at the All-New 2017 Toyota 86

2017 is going to be a huge year for Toyota. In particular, the Japanese automaker plans to drop its Scion division, leaving the future of its affordable car segment largely up in the air. However, some of these Scion models are transitioning to the Toyota nameplate. One of those models is the Toyota 86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S. With this vehicle, the company holds on to the younger generation of sports car fanatics. Whether sales will take off remains, but it’s one of the more attractive vehicles on the market. Without further adieu, here’s a look at the 2017 Toyota 86.

Efficient Power

To get a firm grasp on the entry-level sports car market, Toyota doesn’t give the 86 a ridiculously large engine. Instead, it relies on an efficient, smaller motor under the hood. The 86 sports a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and although that may seem undersized, it provides a potent 205-horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. When paired with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, you tear up the road. The 2016 edition of the FR-S provides a zero-to-60 time of 6.4 seconds and an approximate top speed of 136 miles per hour, so with a slight increase in power, expect these to improve.

Subtle, Yet Sexy Exterior Improvements

Toyota doesn’t plan to rebuild the 86 from the ground up, but it still offers some nice exterior features to enhance the look of the sports car. Most notably, you’ll find the LED headlamps and tail lights to be a nice, modern addition, as well as a more pronounced front bumper and an aggressively styled front air intake. In addition, the stock wheels are a 10-spoke twisted metal aluminum alloy, which needs no introduction. If you’re looking for something flashy at an affordable price, the 86 is a great choice.

Interior Additions

Scion had a reputation for nice features catering to younger drivers, and the 86 still satisfies with entertainment features like premium sound and a sophisticated dashboard. In addition, the 2017 86 also has silver trim accents, as well as a new softer fabric on the doors and seats. The centerpiece of the interior is the all-new steering wheel which combines a stylish and sporty look with mounted controls and paddle shifters on the automatic version. All in all, it’s not overly flashy, but then again, it doesn’t need it.

The Unknown

Buyers shouldn’t fear the unknown when it comes to the 86. While aspects such as price and fuel economy haven’t yet been released by Toyota, they’re both supposed to make the car attractive to first-time buyers with competitive pricing and good fuel economy. Because the engine changes so little, expect the 86 to get around 30 miles per gallon city and 23 highway, starting at a price under $30,000.

As one of only three Scions to survive into 2017 as Toyotas, the 86 is an example of Toyota’s willingness to attack new markets. In the case of the 86, this appears a decent gamble, as it’s Toyota’s first entry into the sports car market since the now-defunct Supra. Only time will tell if it’s a success, but it’s a sure step in the right direction.

Image by kemeko 1971, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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