Toyota 86 GT wins Drive Car of the Year award

The Toyota won its category by scoring heavily in each judging criteria. Its engine might not have the outright horsepower of some performance cars, but it provides the perfect amount to exploit the 86′s nimble, rear-drive chassis.

The Toyota 86 can be driven quietly and comfortably as a commuter car, albeit one with a stiffer than normal ride. On the track it can be easily provoked into lurid tail slides with its electronic stability control switched off, or remain commendably stable with it left on.

Equipment levels are not luxurious, but are more than adequate given the design goal of a low price and low weight for maximum performance. In terms of practicality, the rear seat is good for short trips (or shorter adults) and the folding rear seat means larger loads than a shallow boot would otherwise tolerate can be accommodated.

Five-star NCAP crash-worthiness indicates a safe structure, as does a full complement of seven airbags.

The Toyota 86 held its own over five days of gruelling driving and judging covering every available road condition.