Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota GT 86 Aero review

Toyota GT 86 Aero gets special styling updates, but the standard car is a better buy

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota GT 86
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The additions to the Toyota GT 86 Aero are purely aesthetic, so unless you fall in love instantly with the brash rear wing and pumped-up body kit, we’d save some cash and opt for the standard car. It remains great fun to drive when the right road presents itself though, and nothing else can offer the same back-to-basics rear-wheel drive thrills on such a small budget.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When the Toyota GT 86 first went on sale, it wowed us with its back-to-basics rear-wheel drive layout and old-school handling. However, after we lived with a Subaru BRZ (the GT 86’s sister car) for six months, the firm ride, low quality interior and disappointing fuel economy meant the novelty wore a little thin.

So in an attempt to boost interest again, Toyota has dropped the price and added two special editions. The first is this GT 86 Aero, which keeps the same 197bhp four-cylinder Boxer engine but comes with various sporty add-ons.

The styling upgrades won’t be to everyone’s taste, and nor do they come cheap. The car you see here costs a not inconsiderable £28,245 – thanks to the optional £750 Touch and Go sat-nav system. Overall the Aero is £2,500 more than the standard GT 86 (and £5,000 more than the entry-level Primo model) which gets you new front, side and rear skirts, as well as a huge Subaru WRX-style rear wing. The aggressive look is completed with a set of bigger 18-inch ‘Ultraleggera’ alloy wheels finished in Anthracite grey.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC
Focus Vignale

2020 Ford

Focus Vignale

59,430 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,676
View Focus Vignale
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,597
View Puma
C4

2023 Citroen

C4

20,443 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,297
View C4

• Toyota GT 86 vs rivals

To drive, it’s identical to the normal car so it loves to be revved – all the way to the 7,500rpm red line – and is perfectly suited to a twisting B road. The steering is super sharp and the firm suspension means it corners with little body roll. Like before, you can turn the stability control off altogether – allowing a bit of slip from the rear wheels – but leave it and you can push on in confidence.

Around town however, the rock-hard ride is tiring, and at motorway speeds the lack of sound insulation will leave your ears ringing. Also, in a world where even the hottest hatches can manage 40mpg, the GT 86’s 34.9mpg and 192g/km CO2 emissions leave a lot to be desired.

There’s no denying the GT 86 Aero will turn heads, but for £27,495, unless you really want the brash rear wing and larger alloy wheels, we’d suggest that a standard model with a few choice extras represents better value for money.

Indeed, Toyota has now released a base-spec ‘Primo’ version, which does without features such as keyless entry and automatic headlights, and actually epitomises exactly what the lightweight, rear-drive sports car should be all about. It’s yours for just £22,495.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025