Toyota confirmed UK pricing and specs for the new GT86 sports car. Based on that the one with six-speed manual is priced at £24,995, and the automatic one £26,495. For that you get a full-blooded sports car with a 2.0 liter boxer engine, limited slip differential, and equipments like dual-zone climate control, sports seats, bi-xenon headlights and 17-inch alloys. So, good value?
Well, sort of yes. The GT86 is probably the most highly-anticipated car of 2012 and it’s pretty fun to drive with a classic front engine, rear drive setup. The engine is the only downer. It’s a pretty good engineering work, but at this stage Toyota extracts only 200bhp from it. More powerful versions are in the works, but this is it for now.
The list of standard equipments also include a rear spoiler, 17-inch light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille, as well as bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps and electric folding door mirrors with housings matched to the car’s body colour. Seven exterior colours are available: Dark Red, Silver metallic, Black metallic, Blue metallic, Dark Red metallic, Orange metallic and Pearl pearlescent.
What’s more, you also get auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, hill-start assist, scuff plates and the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system for controlling the six-speaker audio system, with Bluetooth for phone connection and music streaming, and a USB port. As an option, the system can be upgraded to Toyota Touch and Go, with satellite navigation and advanced functions such as speed and safety camera warnings, on-board connection to Google Local Search and (via subscription) connected services providing data such as live parking and fuel price information and local weather forecasts.
As for the safety features, you get switchable VSC stability control system, which can be adjusted through three driving modes to suit driver preference, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Seven airbags are provided, including a driver’s knee airbag.
So considering all that kit you receive, and the car’s natural appeal, you can call it good value.
