So Toyota finally revealed the drop-top version of its GT86 sports car in form of the FT-86 Open Concept, and now everybody is talking about if it is a better car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Well, that remains to be seen, because there is not guarantee that the open-top GT86 drives as well the coupe. But the fact is the MX-5 was conceived as a roadster sports car, which is why it’s so perfect. Cars that start out as a coupe and then have their roofs cut off are never perfect.

Regardless of the drive and handling, one advantage of the Toyota over the Mazda is the design. This car looks much better than the Miata. Mind you, there is an all-new Mazda MX-5 coming next year, so…

The Toyota FT-86 Open concept shares the platform and powertrain of the GT86; the world’s first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S injection technology – a 1,998 cc, low centre of gravity, naturally aspirated, high-revving sports engine capable of developing 100 DIN hp per litre- driving the rear wheels via a short throw, ‘flick of the wrist’ manual gear shift or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the world’s fastest paddle shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.