Toyota 86: Sharp Steering, Sharper Value
Mar 12, 2015 .
Toyota has added the safety of a reversing camera and the convenience of a touch-screen display audio system to the GT variants of its top-selling 86 sports car.
The value-added features are worth at least $1,000 but are now included at no extra cost on the GT manual while the GT auto price has been lowered by $300*.
A full-size spare wheel can now be ordered at no extra cost, giving customers an alternative to the weight-saving tyre-repair kit which is fitted as standard.
Prices have also been reduced for the GTS grades ? the manual by $500* and the auto by $800* as a result of recent duty reductions.
As a result of the running changes, the price for the most affordable 86 remains at $29,990* ? unchanged from the popular car?s launch price more than two-and-a-half years ago.
The reversing camera image is viewed on the new 6.1-inch touch-screen monitor that doubles as the control centre for the upgraded audio system. GTS variants already have these features with the addition of satellite navigation^.
Other features managed through the 86 audio system include voice recognition and hands-free operation for a mobile phone, audio streaming, FM radio text, iPod# control, USB input##, SD card slot and a CD player.
A neat addition to the boot when the full-size spare is fitted comes in the shape of a urethane cover embossed with the 86 logo and the model?s distinctive T-mesh motif, a design repeated throughout the car in areas such as the grille, instrument panel and meters.
The 86 has become a cult hero since being launched in mid-2012 due to being compact, lightweight and affordable ? and with balance and handling rated in the same league as some legendary sports cars.
It has been Australia?s best-selling sports car for the past two years with local sales topping 13,000 cars since June 2012 ? the third-highest total in the world.
The dynamic abilities and fun-to-drive characteristics of the 86 provide a credible platform for motorsport, leading Toyota to announce recently the 86 will form the basis of a one-make race series.
Known as the Toyota 86 Pro-Am, it will be an affordable, grassroots motorsport series to be raced exclusively at V8 Supercars events from next year.
Under the banner Toyota Racing Australia, it will be run as a pro-am. Up to five selected professional drivers will mentor and compete against a larger field of amateur drivers who will have to qualify to get onto the starting grid at each round.
The 86 race cars will be based on the GT manual with key specifications controlled to ensure their suitability and reliability while keeping costs as low as possible.
Further details of the series will be released in coming months. In the meantime, potential competitors can register their interest on the Toyota website at www.toyota.com.au/86/pro-am.
The 86 sports car, like all new Toyota vehicles, is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with a capped price of $190 for each of up to four scheduled services in the first three years or 60,000km**.
TOYOTA 86 PRICES*
<tr>
<td>GT manual
<td> $29,990
<tr>
<td>GT auto
<td>$32,490
<tr>
<td>GTS manual
<td>$35,990
<tr>
<td>GTS auto
<td>$38,490
Options
<tr>
<td> Full-size spare
<td> No cost
<tr>
<td>Premium paint
<td> $450
<tr>
<td>Aero pack (GTS)
<td>$3,000
* Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.
^ Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas.
# iPod is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
## Not all devices will be compatible. Functionality varies depending on device.
**Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000km (up to the first 4 services). Excludes government and rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.