If we were to hand out an award for Most Improved Sports Car, the Toyota GR86 would very well be the big winner. This eminently entertaining rear-wheel drive coupe’s second generation arrived in 2022 and addressed our major problem with the original model: a weak engine. The second time around, power comes from a 228-hp flat-four with plenty of midrange power, and while a six-speed manual is standard (and is the only way to go), a six-speed automatic is available. You won’t hear us telling you to opt for it. The GR86 is small and affordable, like, say, a Mazda MX-5 Miata, only with a tiny Porsche 911-type back seat that allows you to take small braai with you. Its hatchback also offers reasonable cargo space, which the Miata also lacks. The GR86’s mechanical twin, the Subaru BRZ, offers a virtually identical experience, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to which badge you prefer. As a 2+2 coupe built primarily for playtime, the GR86 does suffer from road noise, especially on the highway, and the music produced by the boxer engine isn’t exactly worth buying tickets to live. don’t hear Still, plenty of cornering grip, great balance, sharp steering and a rev-happy engine make the GR86 fun to drive, no matter where you go. It’s everything an entry-level sports car should be. And while we’re not giving out a Most Improved trophy, we did give the GR 86 something even better: a 10Best award.
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