Toyota 86 facelift (Euro)
The Toyota 86 is now available in European markets. Priced
from £ 25,495 (US$ 33,732) in the United Kingdom, where it will go on sale from
October, it features a new 'Track' mode, which allows the driver to adjust the
level of stability and traction control, and includes a 'fully off' option.
For improved handling, the body structure is now
stiffer, particularly at the rear, where key components have been made thicker
and additional spot welding has been introduced; Toyota has also retuned the
Showa shock absorbers.
The popular front-engined, rear-wheel
drive sports car has a redesigned nose section, which is not just about looking
good, but helps smooth the airflow, as the company explains. It also has new
LED headlights, and relocated turn signals from the front bumper to the
headlamp clusters, while at the other end, the lighting units and bumper have
been tweaked.
Inside, the automaker has fitted the 2017 GT 86 with
a new 3-spoke steering wheel, which is said to have the smallest design for a
production Toyota, with a 362 mm diameter, equipped with auxiliary
audio and display controls and adorned with a prominent silver 86 logo. The
cabin also features a reoriented tachometer and a fresh 4.2-inch TFT multi-info
display, which shows the fuel economy, journey distance, power and torque
curves, and it also has a stopwatch and a G-force monitor.
Powered by the same 2.0-liter boxer engine with 197
horsepower, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed
automatic transmission, the sports car is offered in two versions: GT86 and
GT86 Pro.
The former comes with standard adaptive LED
headlights, keyless entry and go, hill start assist, cruise control,
electrically-operated heated mirrors with folding function and aluminum sport
pedals, while the latter adds a rear spoiler, heated front seats, leather and
Alcantara upholstery, suede-effect finish for the door trims and dashboard and
leather driver's armrest.
Both models benefit from the Toyota Touch 2
multimedia system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, DAB tuner and Bluetooth, but as
an option, this can be upgraded to the Toyota Touch 2 with Go, adding sat-nav,
and access to on-line services and social media channels. Other options include
the black clothc upholstery with red inserts on the seats and door trims for
the GT86, and a similar treatment for the part-leather and Alcantara in the
GT86 Pro.
