Toyota GT86 gets more affordable, adds options
Sacrifice some equipment and GT86 motoring now starts from £22,995
It’s hard to fault the way the Toyota GT86 drives – slight lack of power aside – but its twenty-five grand price tag has always seemed a little steep given the outright performance of other cars in its price bracket.
The 197bhp boxer engine is unchanged, but Toyota has finally fixed the prickly pricing with a new entry-level Primo model for the GT86 range. At £22,995 the latest GT86 slashes £2115 from the existing car’s list price, and customers putting their names down early can get a further £500 off that figure.
Despite the lower entry ticket, the ’86 remains a well-equipped vehicle. There’s a set of 17in alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, aluminium pedals, aircon, folding mirrors, Toyota Touch multimedia, Bluetooth and a tyre pressure monitoring system. A manual gearbox is standard, and the only transmission option.
The regular GT86 (£24,995) now sits at the middle of the updated three car range. On top of Primo spec, buyers can expect a rear spoiler, keyless entry, a push-button starter, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and an optional automatic transmission.
Sitting at the top, the GT86 Aero (£27,495) adds further kit, including a body styling package and 18in OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels. There’s a new special edition too – the £27,495 Giallo features black leather heated seats, a black GT88 side decal and, as the name suggests, bright yellow paintwork. Striped bonnet, roof and boot decals area available at no extra cost and only 86 (see what they did there?) will hit the UK.
Customers can add further options to all vehicles, from £1600 leather and Alcantara perches to an £1100 JBL sound pack and the £395 Carbon Pack – a range of carbon-effect door mirror covers and a rear bumper protection plate.
By the time you’ve added a few of those though, the price savings of the new, more affordable GT86 are nullified. Will Toyota’s price encourage you to finally take the plunge? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.