Toyota’s back-to-basics sports car the GT86 has been given a midlife facelift.
It’s had tweaks to its suspension and engine, along with some updates to the interior.
On the outside the GT86 now sports a larger front grille, new bumper, different housings for the fog lights, LED lights, a changed rear spoiler, and updated 17in alloy wheels.
Though the 197bhp, 2.0 litre boxer engine remains as before, there are plenty of changes inside the car. Things like a new three-spoke steering wheel (at 362mm in diameter, it’s the smallest yet for a production Toyota) with additional buttons and a new 4.2in TFT display housed in the instrument binnacle.
This can be configured so that instead of things you don’t want to see (fuel economy, journey distance) it shows fun things, namely power and torque curves, stopwatch and the all-important G-force monitor.
The rev-counter has also been redesigned so the peak point of power delivery – 7,000rpm – sits right at the top of the dial.
Standard trim includes LED headlights, cruise control, heated mirror, aluminium pedals, hill start assist, Bluetooth, DAB radio and keyless go.
Upgrading to the Pro trim adds leather and Alcantara upholstery that extends to the doors, silver stitching, heated seats, and a boot spoiler. Sat-nav is available as an option.
While the engine remains untouched – it’s a terrific unit so there was no real need for changes – there have been a few adaptations to the steering and shocks to help improve the car’s agility, and the chassis has been strengthened, according to Toyota.
Toyota has also added a selectable ‘track’ mode, which allows drivers to adjust the level of stability and traction control, or turn them off completely.
The uptated GT86 goes on sale next month. Prices will stand at £25,945 for a standard, manual GT86, £27,495 for one with an automatic gearbox, £27,095 for the manual Pro, and £28,695 for the auto Pro.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk