Facelifted GT86 specs and prices

A fresh look inside and out, retuned dynamics and new trim levels too - here's all you need to know!

This new Toyota GT86 is not the update to convince the naysayers of its merits. Despite this being the most significant overhaul since its 2011 introduction, it still has 200hp (thought we'd get that in first), it won't rival the Germans for perceived interior quality and the price isn't any lower. Should those remain stumbling blocks for you, best not read on any further.

Ooh look, new wheels as well

However, for those drivers who are GT86 fans, there's plenty to be encouraged by in this facelift. The chassis has been a focal point, project head Tetsuya Tada saying that improving responsiveness was important: "on and off acceleration, turning in and turning out, and the speed and naturalness of its reactions." To that end the aero has been revised too, that new front end and side fins said to improve airflow. Chassis changes underneath include tweaked dampers and additional spot welds to boost stiffness.

With the powertrain untouched - you can even still have the auto if you want - attention turns to the interior, described by Toyota as now "offering a more connected feel between driver and car." The 362mm wheel is the smallest ever fitted to a production Toyota, now also with radio controls and a more prominent '86' logo. Note as well the new 4.2-inch digital dash display that incorporates the trip computer plus more interesting information like a G-meter and a stopwatch. That display sits to the right of the tacho, redesigned for this model so that 7,000rpm - where that 2.0-litre boxer makes peak power - is now at the top of the dial. Don't you love nerdy details like that?

While the original GT86 range expanded to include models like the Aero, the Giallo and the TRD, the revised lineup is far simpler. For now. You can have a GT86 (with Toyota Touch 2 infotainment, push-button start and LED lights) or a GT86 Pro (adding the spoiler, heated front seats and a leather/Alcantara upholstery combo) with either a manual or automatic gearbox. That's it. The GT86 starts at £25,945 for the manual, the Pro available for £1,150 more at £27,095. The automatic models are £27,495 and £28,695, with all models going on sale in October. Perhaps best of all, it should mean easier deals on the outgoing car; this 16-plate '86 is at a Toyota dealer in Chesterfield with less than 2,500 miles for £21K. Try one before everything is turbocharged and front-wheel drive!