03 Mar
Blog

Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition Headhpone Review

Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition

"Excellent sound quality, extremely comfortable fit."

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Solid battery life and fast charging

  • Can be used while charging

  • USB and cable connection

  • Disappointing call quality

  • No EQ in the app

The quarantine has certainly increased the number of times I use headphones on a daily basis – from playing games to zooming meetings to listening to music while working – and while I have plenty of headphones available, I grabbed the $ 400 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon every time for the past few months. I love my Sony WH1000 XM4s, which are top-notch headphones, but there are some compelling reasons why I keep getting interested in the PX7 Carbon Edition.

Cases and accessories

While the PX7s aren't the best collapsible headphones, they pack in a neat case that is both handy and fairly stiff, and offers additional protection. Inside the case are a few key accessories: one is a standard 3.5mm cable that plugs directly into a headphone jack, and the other is a USB to USB-C cable that is used for charging or listening or both can be used at the same time – something most wireless headphones just don't do.

Battery life and charging

Bowers & Wilkins claims the PX7 Carbon can run for about 30 hours with noise cancellation turned on. I found that the ANC actually gave me a little less in high mode as opposed to auto. But the bonus is that you can save about five hours on a 15 minute charge, which is fantastic.

Design and comfort

Bowers & Wilkins didn't call this the "Carbon Edition" just because it sounds cool. This is due to the materials that make up this version of the PX7 Carbon. The headphones are made of woven carbon fiber composite that is both extremely light and stiff. They're incredibly malleable – I don't worry about twisting them or pulling them out of shape or breaking them. But more important (for me) than strength is lightness. These are extremely comfortable headphones that won't weigh you down.

The other materials used also contribute to the comfort. The traditional synthetic leather material is found on the ear cuffs and covers a comfortable layer of memory foam. The same layer of comfortable memory foam is also under the headband, and the outer ear cuffs and top of the headband are made of comfortably woven fabric.

There is a small design feature on the outside of the ear cups that is unique to the Carbon Edition: the laser-cut accent on the outer ear cup that accompanies the Bowers & Wilkins nickname.

Controls

There are a number of controls on the back of the right ear cup, including the power button. The on / off switch is great as it is a slide button that acts as a rocker switch and makes it very easy to use (as opposed to pressing and holding and hoping you kept pressing long enough).

Between the power buttons and the volume down button, there is a multi-function button that allows you to control play, pause, forward, skip, answer phone calls, etc., depending on how you press it. It's an "all-rounder, master of nothing" situation that you have to get used to.

Transparency mode

On the back of the left earbuds there is a single Active Noise Cancellation button that allows you to toggle between Off, Auto, Low and High with a quick click. A long press of the button takes you to the transparency mode, which is very good with the PX7 carbons. In fact, I'd say it's the closest thing I've heard to the Air Pods Max (the reigning champion of transparency mode).

Noise cancellation

The noise cancellation on the PX7s is good, but not as good as the AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM4, or Bose Noise Canceling 700. Bowers & Wilkins may not have reached the height here, but did well with the tight seal around your ear and Music pumping through the headphones is most likely not to distract you from your surroundings.

App functions

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 also have an app that lets you adjust the levels of transparency mode and manage your noise cancellation options. However, you cannot adjust the EQ curve at all. In other words, the PX7's sound will stay exactly as Bowers & Wilkins designed it to be.

Audio connections and codecs

The PX7 Carbon are wireless and use the aptX HD audio codec with Android devices (unfortunately Apple users) so you can get good quality sound with the wireless connection. It also comes with the standard 3.5mm wired audio port as well as a USB to USB-C cable for listening and charging. With the headphone cable you could use your own digital-to-analog converter (DAC) like the Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC, which I like to use. With the USB connection, the PSX7 Carbon uses the same internal DAC as with a wireless connection.

Wireless pairing

The PX7 Carbon can also be paired with multiple devices at the same time, so you can easily switch between your laptop and your phone. It seems like this is a feature all wireless headphones should have, but many just don't. So this is a definite plus.

Call quality

The call quality on the PX7 is… OK. They're certainly not as good as Sony, Apple, or Bose, so I wouldn't recommend them as your best bet for one of those upcoming Zoom calls. While they sensibly blocked out the outside noise during our test on the street, my voice sounded digitized and distant – and not just by wearing a mask.

Sound quality

I like the way these headphones sound – that's why I keep reaching for them instead of Sony or Bose. It's just fun to listen to. They have a much more natural sound than the Sony XM4s – the bass grunts less than the Sony XM4, but there's still a lot of low-end. If you listen to these bass heavy tracks you will get it all. It's very deep and very punchy, but not overwhelming.

The flesh in the middle is extremely clear. Crystal clear. It's very present, but not arrogant in the mix. Vocals sound natural – no squeezing the sound or, on the other side of the spectrum, no chest.

Then there is the high altitude region, which I think is sometimes aggressive. Normally I wouldn't go for something that "sizzles" so high in the heights, but I have to admit it wasn't uncomfortable. It's just a little more than I'm used to – while it's an odd twist, it's something I'm starting to enjoy. The brassiness of a trumpet or the hissing of a cymbal all have a brilliant, bright sheen that almost goes over the edge but reigns in the last second. And I think here comes a lot of excitement for me. Oddly enough, published graphs of the PX7 Carbon's frequency response curve do not support my subjective observation here, but I hear what I hear!

Overall, the frequency response of the PX7 Carbon seems like a roller coaster to me. It starts high in the bass, drops a little into the mid bass, comes back in the mid range, dips a little before the top end, and then climbs up into the treble range. It's a really fun ride.

Our opinion

Price between the Sony XM4 and the Apple Air Pods max offer a great sound experience, even if they're not that mind-blowing in the noise canceling and call quality departments. The PX7 Carbon Edition is more of a fun toy than a tool, but I don't mind – I have a lot of fun listening to it.

Is there a better alternative?

For productivity and travel, the Sony WH-100xM4, Bose Noise Canceling 700 and Apple AirPods Max offer better noise cancellation and call quality, but have different sound profiles. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Editions are best for those who prefer sound quality and comfort above all else.

How long it will take?

Due to the use of high-quality, robust materials, the PX7 Carbon Edition lasts as long as the battery lasts, which should last several years.

warranty

Bowers & Wilkins offers an above-average two-year warranty if the headphones are purchased from an authorized dealer. For more information, see the Bowers & Wilkins warranty information page.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Those who value sound quality and convenience above all other considerations will love these wireless headphones.

Editor's recommendations




13 Jan
Blog

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World – Complete Edition Review

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition

Scott Pilgrim versus the World: The Game – Complete Edition Review: Double Nostalgia

"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a fun trip back in time for fans of the original, though its flaws are evident over a decade later."

  • Received faithfully

  • Charming nostalgia

  • Easy to learn and play

  • Outdated fight

  • Short story

  • Weak bonus modes

Scott Pilgrim versus the World: The Game – Complete Edition consists of two layers of nostalgia. On the one hand, the game itself is a throwback to the old rackets filled with retro gaming Easter eggs. On top of that, the Scott Pilgrim franchise even now exudes its own nostalgia, making it as much a blast of bygone novelty as the games it references.

Fans of the game have dreamed of this moment for years. Ubisoft was originally released in 2010 and abruptly removed the game from online marketplaces in 2014 due to licensing issues. In over a decade, no one has been able to buy it, which sparked talks about the proper preservation of the game while adding an air of mystique that kept the game dear in players' hearts. With the game's return in 2021, players will no longer have to rely on their fond memories to keep it alive, good or bad.

While it has been surpassed by similarly crafted games over the past decade, Scott Pilgrim Against the World: The Game – Complete Edition is a fun but easy journey back in time for fans of the franchise. Although the signs of aging are difficult to avoid like the starting material in 2021.

Perfect couple

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The game is easy to explain: It's a beat-em-up style side-scroller that deliberately draws on retro titles like Streets of Rage. The source material is particularly suitable for this genre. In the comic series, the title Scott Pilgrim has to win the affection of his friend Ramona Flowers by fighting her seven "bad exes". The game follows the same basic storyline with seven levels, each culminating in a fall against an ex (and another self-reflective showdown with Scott's own doppelganger).

The original game's strength has always been its clever connection to the franchise story. The structure of the comic fits the genre, of course, so the old-school brawler format feels more purposeful and less like simple nostalgia. The fact that the comic itself is full of little nods to the era just makes the pairing a breeze.

It remains a perfect companion for fans of comics or films. The art, tone and story are a perfect match for the work of author Bryan Lee O’Malley. Even if I return over five years since I last looked at the series, nothing feels in my memory. In some ways, the game is even better at avoiding some of the less flattering elements of the comic and film.

Public opinion about Scott Pilgrim has changed over the past decade. While many fans fell in love with the nerdy coming-of-age story in the late 2000s, it has been under scrutiny in recent years. Plot points that once flew under the radar of readers, like the 23-year-old hero's awkward relationship with a high schooler, have a different weight in a modern, socially conscious context (developer Ubisoft has found itself in a similar situation following a wave of abuse allegations in the studio last summer). Given that the re-release will bring fans back a decade, this type of re-examination of a formative medium is not only inevitable but healthy too.

It remains a perfect companion for fans of comics or films.

Fortunately, video game customization passes the smell test better than other arms in the franchise. Simplified storytelling leaves out the fine details a decade later, to its accidental benefit. In some ways, this package is the best way to get in touch with the property in 2021, for fans who are nervous about how it is holding up.

Throw down

When it comes to fighting, nothing makes the game too complicated. There is a light attack, a heavy attack, a block, and some special abilities. Anyone who has ever played this style of play will likely have no problem figuring it out. This is important as the game is best enjoyed as the casual co-op multiplayer experience that players can quickly immerse themselves in.

Scott Pilgrim The game

As a throwback bat, the game is deliberately reduced. The attacks are simple and there isn't a lot of character-to-character variety other than changed animations. Any added complexity comes from the lightweight RPG system that allows players to increase their stats by purchasing items and adding 16 new moves through a level-up system. Once each ability is unlocked, the battle feels a little more varied, although the four hour main story is almost over if players naturally reach that point.

For those who have never played before or have oversized memories of the original release, some context goes a long way here. The game was originally released with the film as a $ 10 digital title. It was essentially a title that gave fans the opportunity to continue their love for the estate for a few extra hours. It's also important to note that it was released at a time when throwback bats weren't particularly common, so it could build on the success of indies like Castle Crashers. For 2010, the retro fight was an exciting sale in itself and remains charming here.

The fact that Scott Pilgrim now feels just as retro and out of date as the games he is referring to is just a bit inevitably ironic.

Even so, it is difficult not to place the game in a modern critical context, as the source material is being re-examined today. Retro thugs are a dozen these days, and Scott Pilgrim feels like a step back, even a step backwards. Last year's standout Streets of Rage 4 demonstrated how a brand new beat-em-up can feel like a modern game, fast and fluid, without sacrificing nostalgia. In comparison, some of Scott Pilgrim's mechanical parts have not aged well, such as poor air control or tricky hit areas.

This is not a remake, so gamers shouldn't expect any gameplay updates here. However, the fact that Scott Pilgrim now feels just as retro and outdated as the games he is referring to is just a bit inevitably ironic.

Complete, but still sparse

The release will be billed as a full edition as it includes all of the DLC from the previous game. This includes two additional characters, some modes, and online multiplayer support. The final track is the most important recording as its absence in the original release was a scratch back in 2010. Given that local co-op isn't an option for most players right now, playing online offers yet another fun game night option for friends cooped up inside.

Make no mistake: the spectacle is the real product here.

That being said, the "full" nickname doesn't matter much. The bonus characters play more or less the same as the others, and the modes that have been added are little more than fluff. It's hard to imagine that even the die-hard fan could get out of mere competitive modes like Dodge Ball for more than half an hour. Aside from a Boss Rush option and online leaderboards, there isn't much to come back to after the brief story, which makes it an even shorter makeover than I originally thought.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition

For many fans, the additional content is hardly important. The fact that the game exists again is a win for those who feared that there would never be a way to play it again. It's a solemn excuse for die-hard people to put some cash into consuming physical expenses to make sure it is never wasted in time again. Make no mistake: the spectacle is the real product here.

The existence of the Complete Edition is more of a symbolic victory than anything, and that may not mean much to people who have never played the original. In terms of face value, it's an average beat em up that is good for a few hours of casual multiplayer play with friends. But for those who have long wondered about the one who escaped, a fairytale ending will come true.

Our opinion

Scott Pilgrim versus the World: The Game – Complete Edition is a much-needed re-release that faithfully preserves the long-lost original. The outdated beat-em-up combat and light features may not do justice to the fans' almost mythological memory, but only figuring out this is a win in itself.

Is there a better alternative out there?

Streets of Rage 4 is the current king of the hill when it comes to retro co-op brawlers.

How long it will take?

The story will be over in about four hours, and the additional modes likely won't add more than an hour or two to the experience.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's exactly what it needs to be for fans of the original targeting here, though newbies probably won't get what all the fuss is about

Editor's recommendations




13 May
Blog

3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition Review: 3D drawing with wood

3Doodler Create + Leather Edition wood

"The 3Doodler Create + brings 3D creations made of wood and plastic to the top of your pen."

  • Specially developed for working with wood

  • Comes with a lot of accessories

  • Premium look

  • Steep learning curve

  • Constant maintenance required

3Doodler has been in full swing since the surprising success of its Kickstarter campaign in 2013 and provides an affordable 3D printing pen for the masses. There have been several iterations of the 3D printing pen since then, like 3Doodler 2.0 in 2015 and 3Doodler Create +, but the core idea has remained unchanged.

The company was very well received by educators, thanks in part to the marketing of the 3Doodler as a creative tool for various STEM classes and activities (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). In the same footsteps as the 3Doodler 2.0, which marketed itself more to enthusiasts and professionals, the company's latest model, the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition, is written as an executive office pen for 3D printing. Is it the only true 3D printing pen that masters them all?

Now in leather

If you look at 3Doodler's existing range of 3D printing pens, it is obvious that the designs are aimed at young people. They are simple, straightforward and designed for the task of drawing in 3D. However, the Leather Edition makes it clear that it is trying to attract enthusiasts who take 3D drawing seriously – those with creative talent. Similar to the 3Doodler 2.0 with an aluminum housing, the Leather Edition with its whiskey-tanned leather exterior offers the same level of sophistication.

3Doodler Create + Leather Edition front viewJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

As much as the company claims a sense of refined elegance with its new 3D printing pen, the leather only contributes more to aesthetics than to usefulness. Ultimately, it still looks more like a tool and feels like it's a high-quality handwriting instrument.

Optimized for wood

Basically, it is similar to its predecessors in that the same plastic filaments (FLEXY, ABS and PLA) are melted to draw on surfaces and in the air. New in this model, it was specifically designed for working with wood filaments – while the previous ones weren't necessarily meant for wood. The Leather Edition has been optimized from the ground up for use with wood as the main filament.

The wood adds to the variety that the pen is used to and gives projects a more natural look. They add to the decor and other bells and whistles that you might have lying around at home, but you have to go through a few trials and mistakes before you really get a good feel for wood drawing.

Master the technology

We tried to create some wooden creations with the included project manual, which contains tips for beginners to get the most out of the 3Doodler. There's definitely a learning curve if you've never used one before. In fact, finding the right pace to get the best results was a bigger challenge for us. If you move too fast, you will get thin pieces of plastic that will not give your creations structural support. If you move too slowly, thick clumps are formed.

In contrast to some plastic filaments, which cool down relatively quickly when pulled out to allow them to be drawn into the air, the wood filaments do not harden immediately. After we had mastered the technology, we were able to create some rough creations with the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition. We recommend using the matt side of the supplied Mini DoodlePad surface, mainly because the wood filaments are easier to remove. Without the step-by-step guide for wood projects, we would have no idea how best to use the 3D printing pen. We used it to make a money clip and a wooden figure of eight.

3Doodler Create + Leather Edition doodlesJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

In simple solid wood projects, they start as 2D creations. For more complex projects, 2D parts are welded together with the 3Doodler until they have reached the desired shape. In our situation, we created a model of the Eiffel Tower by fusing 2D parts of the shiny PLA filaments that came with the package, and then adding additional details and support using the wood filaments. What is nice is that all the filaments fuse well together.

Maintenance, servicing, maintenance

In order to keep the 3Doodler in perfect condition, it must be serviced regularly by ensuring that the filaments are completely removed after each use. You don't want it to sit idle for a while as the heated filament cools down in the nozzle. It is therefore important that all of the material is ejected. Detaching the unused filament is an easy process, as you can simply press one of the two buttons twice to reverse it, instead of forcibly removing it by pulling.

3Doodler Create + Leather Edition doodlesJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

For advanced users, the Leather Edition also comes with a nozzle set that contains 6 more heads to add even more variety when the filaments come out of the nozzle. They help to improve projects with the different patterns and strengths they provide. Although our special creations appear coarse, these nozzles can help give those who have mastered their drawing techniques more precision and cleaner surfaces.

Our opinion

Get back $ 120 with the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition, $ 40 more than with the current 3Doodler Create + 3D printing pen. It is also worth noting that this is the first time that the wood filament packs and the nozzle set have been included in the packaging. While the thought of a 3D printing pen still attracts attention so people can draw in the air, the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition remains an artistic tool for those who take their creations seriously. You won't make anything elaborate or ornate, but at least you can create some unique handmade ornaments with a personal touch.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're reliant on cash, retailers like Amazon have several cheaper options. You could pick them up, but 3Doodler has built a solid reputation and ecosystem to support its deployment over the years.

How long it will take?

Frequent maintenance is required for the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition to work properly. However, a one-year guarantee is granted.

Should you buy it

If you have no artistic background, you are unlikely to use it religiously. If you do this, it is an option to think about, as all possible creations use the plastic and wood filaments available to you. You can also explore the different types of filaments and project ideas on the 3Doodler website. You no longer have to reorder filaments and get inspiration for your next project. There is already the 3Doodler Start 3D printing pen for teenagers and educators, but the sophisticated look of the 3Doodler Create + Leather Edition makes it a tool for enthusiasts who want to take the time to master the techniques required to create artworks.

3Doodler Create + Leather Edition in table "class =" dt-lazy-load dt-lazy-pending

Editor's recommendations




05 May
Blog

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition Review: Defining Cheap Thrills

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition review: Favorable thrill

"With a lightweight, agile chassis, Toyota's small sports car is more fun for your money."

  • Stronger than the competition

  • Nimble handling

  • Comfortable cockpit

  • Decently practical

  • Lack of driver assistant technology

  • Unpleasant exhaust note

The term "sports car" has become synonymous with "expensive". What was once a source of cheap thrills in the 1940s and 1950s is now a status symbol. A Porsche 911 can hit six-digit numbers with options, and a Chevrolet Corvette is considered a bargain at nearly $ 60,000.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Affordable sports cars still exist if you know where to look. On paper, the 2020 Toyota 86 (pronounced "eight-six") offers everything you need for driving pleasure: an agile chassis, an eager engine, an available manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The small Toyota (and its sibling Subaru BRZ) offers the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which has dominated this space for over two decades, the much-needed competition.

Is the 86 as tasty as the ingredients suggest? To find out, we grabbed the leather-covered keychain for a Toyota 86 Hakone Edition 2020. Named after a famous Japanese street, it is characterized by green color, bronze wheels and light brown seats. The Hakone Edition costs $ 30,825, compared to $ 28,015 for the Base 86.

Design and interior

The Toyota 86 is a car with many names. It was developed together with Subaru, which, as already mentioned, sells its own version called BRZ. The Toyota version was launched in the United States for the 2013 model year as the Scion FR-S under the now-defunct youth brand of the Japanese car manufacturer. When Scion was canceled, the FR-S turned 86. However, the car has not changed significantly over the years. The new Hakone Edition for 2020 only receives cosmetic changes.

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone EditionStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The name "86" refers to the 1986 AE86-Toyota Corolla, but the two cars are very different. The AE86 was a tuner-friendly version of the ubiquitous small car from Toyota that later became famous in the manga and anime "Initial D". The 86, however, is a pure sports car. However, the two Toyotas have one thing in common: the rear-wheel drive, which offers superior handling. The 86 also uses a Subaru boxer engine, which lowers the car's center of gravity and further improves cornering ability.

The view to the outside is excellent, so you can easily place the car on the road and don't have to grit your teeth when parking in parallel.

In size and price, the 86 most closely matches the Mazda MX-5 Miata and its sibling, the Fiat 124 Spider. While the Mazda and Fiat are two-seater convertibles, the Toyota is a coupe with a fixed roof and two tiny rear seats. These seats aren't really suitable for people, but they do offer a useful amount of cargo space.

Toyota doesn't leave any trunk space for the 86, but Subaru quotes 6.9 cubic feet for the identical BRZ – more if you fold down the rear seats. That's not a lot, but it's more than in a Miata or 124 Spider. The Mazda and Fiat offer slightly more headroom and a few inches more legroom. However, if you're not as compact as you are, all of these cars fit closely.

2020 Toyota 86 Hakone EditionStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The interior 86 is simple but functional. The seats have thick cushions, but are still comfortable enough for everyday use. The steering wheel has the perfect diameter and thickness, and the upright dashboard makes the cockpit look a little more spacious. The view to the outside is excellent, so you can easily place the car on the road and don't have to grit your teeth when parking in parallel. Materials are nothing special, but you can expect that at this price.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The simplicity of the 86 is reminiscent of classic sports cars, but also the lack of technology. The car comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – but that's about it. The center console offers just enough space for a smartphone. To connect, however, a USB cable must be looped around the shift lever.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

Even the rear view camera prescribed by the federal government has a low-tech version. Images appear on a tiny section of the rearview mirror, not on the main screen or over the entire length of the mirror, as some automakers have done.

With the Subaru BRZ from Toyota you get a little bit more. To justify a slightly higher purchase price, Subaru offers built-in navigation and some other audio options, including Pandora and SiriusXM.

This is a car that you can have fun in without risking jail time.

The 86 also does not receive the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package with driver aids, which is standard on most of the automaker's models. That means buyers miss features like adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is also not available with adaptive cruise control, but autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition are available. The Fiat 124 Spider receives blind spot monitoring and a rear traffic alarm as part of an optional package, but none of the other drivers help their Mazda siblings.

Experience behind the wheel

The 86 was not designed as a technology leader. It's designed to provide the best possible driving experience for the price, and it delivers.

Like a well-made cheeseburger, Toyota (and its partner Subaru) didn't try to make the 86er chic – they focused on making a handful of basic ingredients as good as possible. The 86 is powered by a Subaru 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that uses Toyota's D-4S fuel injection system, which switches between direct injection and port injection to maximize efficiency. The engine features Subaru's signature boxer configuration, which allows it to sit deeper in the chassis. This lowers the overall center of gravity of the vehicle and improves handling.

The Boxer-Four delivers 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque in cars with the six-speed manual and 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet. with the six-speed automatic. That's more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata or Fiat 124 Spider, although the 86 can't keep up with the Fiat's melodious exhaust note. The engine is also well suited for sports cars and has an eager, easy-going character.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The trim proportions of the 86, the relatively low curb weight (Toyota specified a weight of 2,799 pounds for our Hakone Edition test car) and the rear-wheel drive make the most of this engine. Many performance cars try to mask the poundage with an extra dash of power, which means that most of the fun takes place at extra-fast speeds. The agile and communicative chassis of the 86 turns every curve into an event – regardless of speed. This is a car that you can have fun in without risking jail time.

The 86 isn't perfect – it's easy to accidentally shift to fifth gear if you want third, and a Miata is a bit sharper overall – but it's pretty close. You also pay for this epic handling with driving quality that makes commuting on the highway painful. The suspension doesn't help reduce the effects of bumps, and the cabin is noisy. If you want more sophistication, you have to switch to a Toyota Supra.

Fuel consumption and security

Another advantage of a light car with a small engine is the good mileage. The 86 is combined with 24 mpg (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual gearbox and 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the automatic. Over a week's drive, we achieved an average value of 24.2 mpg (according to the car's on-board computer) even with a fairly heavy gas pedal.

Real results that match government ratings are always encouraging, but the 86 can't compete with a 29 MPG Miata (26 MPG City, 34 MPG Highway) or a 30 MPG (26 MPG City, 35 MPG Highway) manual 124 Spider keep up). The Mazda has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine like the Toyota, while the Fiat has a smaller 1.4-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharger.

An advantage of a light car with a small engine is good mileage.

The 86 received the top rating of “good” in four out of five crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was rated as “acceptable” in the front test on the driver side with “small overlap”. The Toyota has not received an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Toyota offers a three-year basic warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles for the powertrain. The automaker has a pretty good reputation for reliability. Subaru engines also have a good reputation, although head seals with high mileage are known to fail. Replacement should be considered later in the life of the car.

How DT would configure this car

Hakone Edition models like our test car have a unique style and are probably a good choice for future collectibles. Our ideal 86er would, however, be a basic model that is equipped with the optional TRD handling package, which is not available in the Hakone Edition.

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, the performance department of the Japanese automaker. If you choose this option, you will have to do without the chic green color of the Hakone Edition and the 17-inch bronze wheels. However, they are equipped with Sachs dampers, Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The package costs $ 2,320. In addition to the base price of $ 28,015, it would still be a little cheaper than a Hakone Edition – but with even better handling.

The 86 also has great support for the aftermarket. If you don't like something about this car, there is likely to be a spare part to change it. We would start with a new exhaust system. The storage system makes a lot of noise, but most of this noise is not good.

Our opinion

Few cars perform their intended function as well as the Toyota 86. A Mazda MX-5 Miata is a bit better to drive, but the average driver won't notice. The 86 makes up for that with a pinch of practicality – and how often will you really take off the top of the Mazda? The Fiat 124 Spider has a nice sound, a retro design and a more comfortable driving experience, but is not as sharp as the Toyota.

However, Toyota paid a price for its unique focus. For similar money, you can buy cars that aren't as pure as the 86, but have a wider range of talents. The Nissan 370Z has a 3.7-liter V6 with 332 hp, while compact sports cars like the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen Golf GTI are suitable for everyday use. A Ford Mustang EcoBoost offers more space, performance and technology, but also feels more like an ordinary car than a real sports car.

Should you get one?

Yes. The 86 defines cheap thrills.

Editor's recommendations