Drivers can seldom say that practicality and sports cars go hand in hand, but the Toyota 86 proves that they can. Whether one wants to call it a Scion FR-S or the Hachi-Roku, this coupe is surprisingly useful. While it may only have two doors, they open up quite wide. This means that drivers would have a decent opportunity to fit things into the vehicle. The back seats fold down, which can help to increase storage space when trying to transport larger items.

The fuel economy is the most amazing feature of this car. The combined fuel economy actually exceeds 30 mpg. Highway economy exceeds 40 mpg. This is pretty impressive for what’s marketed as a sports car. However, Toyota had to make some cuts to ensure that the economy and cargo space were kept within acceptable limits.

When drivers take a look at Scion FR-S models on the lot, they’ll notice how limited their options really are. They can choose automatic or manual transmission, and some come with shift paddles on the steering wheel. There’s only one interior color, and there are only seven stock paint choices. Toyota was clearly thinking practicality when they designed the vehicle.

Many drivers will associate these changes with the austerity measures everyone seems to be taking these days. Everyone has been asked to tighten his or her belt a bit. However, one might ask if car companies should have really been doing this sort of thing all along. After all, a lot of optional extras are really unnecessary. While regular drivers might want a flashy car, they still look for reliability and sensible design.

Most people wouldn’t associate a four-cylinder boxer engine with a sports car, and Toyota is certainly taking a risk with this model. Hatchback vehicles are becoming popular, and these utility cars are sort of aimed at the same demographic as the Scion FR-S. However, that doesn’t mean that something this unique isn’t going to attract a following.

Plenty of safety features come standard in the car. Even though it’s not exactly a stereotypical soccer mom vehicle, Toyota might think to try and market some of the more mundane points of the Hachi-Roku’s design. They’re trying to prove that style and ordinary features can exist in the same body. Whether the 86 will make waves in the industry or sink to the bottom has yet to be seen, but drivers shouldn’t be surprised if other auto manufacturers try to bolster sales by offering similar vehicles.