We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. The Toyota GR86 is a fantastic sports car. It looks the part, it drives even better, and it proves you don’t need turbochargers or an arsenal of electronics to have a proper good time behind the wheel.
With UK GR86 numbers being extremely limited, importing one from Japan has quickly become the smartest and most cost effective way to get your hands on one. This freshly imported GR86 is a prime example of why the JDM route makes so much sense.
GR86 Performance and Driving Experience
The GR86 sticks to its roots and we absolutely love it for that. It remains naturally aspirated, but Toyota gave it a much needed bump in capacity. The old 2.0 litre boxer is out and the new 2.4 litre boxer is in.
Power jumps up to 228bhp, which neatly solves one of the main talking points of the GT86. Many felt the previous 197bhp didn’t quite match the chassis, even though it handled beautifully. The GR86 fixes that.
At a time when everything is downsized and turbocharged, the naturally aspirated GR86 feels refreshingly honest. Throttle response is instant, power delivery is smooth and predictable, and it’s the perfect platform for learning and mastering driving skills.
0 to 60 comes up in around 6.3 seconds, but the real magic is how it carries speed through corners. In tighter bends it feels agile and focused, yet with the right inputs it’ll happily let you play around. It’s confidence inspiring without ever feeling dull.
Toyota GR86 Styling
Toyota absolutely nailed the design. The GR86 is sleek but clearly sporty, with proportions that remind us of a Porsche 718 Cayman S or similar compact sports cars.
The side profile is easily its best angle, especially on limited edition models that feature an extended boot lip spoiler. The low stance, wide hips and short overhangs give it proper presence without shouting about it.
Up front, the huge mesh grille, sharp ducts and functional vents add aggression, while the crisp LED daytime running lights keep it modern. Even next to some European rivals, the GR86 holds its own visually without trying too hard. Finished in black, like this example, it looks subtle, clean and very serious. 
Inside, it’s driver focused and refreshingly simple, with plenty of physical buttons that are easy to reach and actually make sense. You get comfortable part leather, part Alcantara sports seats, finished with contrast stitching, which in this example is red, adding just the right amount of visual pop.
Why Import Your Own Toyota GR86 from Japan
This GR86 was sourced through our personal import service and it perfectly shows why importing from Japan just makes sense. Being a 2024 model with only 7,000km on the clock, it looks and feels like it’s just rolled straight out of the dealership.
With the UK receiving such a limited number of GR86s, there simply aren’t many available for sale locally. That scarcity keeps prices high and choice limited. A JDM import GR86 can often work out far more cost effective, with access to low mileage examples, better condition cars, and a much wider selection overall. Japan also gets exclusive special editions that never officially made it to the UK, including Ridge Green, the 10th Anniversary Edition, the Yuzu Edition and more.
At Torque GT, we handle the entire import process from sourcing and inspections through to shipping, UK registration and handover. If you want a GR86 done properly, without the stress, importing your own through us is the smart move.
