ROY LEWIS road tests...

Toyota GT86 2.0-litre petrol manual.

Price: £24,995.

Top speed: 140mph.

0-60mph: 7.7 seconds.

Fuel: 36.2mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 181.

Verdict: Very rewarding car to drive, superb handling, great looks, well equipped, good build quality and excellent value.

TOYOTA has enjoyed an enviable reputation over many years for producing first-rate sporting cars.

We have thoroughly enjoyed a succession of Supra, Celica and MR2 models and now there is a new kid on the block in the form of the charismatic GT86 which has the ability to turn heads in the high street.

This stunning-looking classic sports car is the result of a joint venture with Subaru whose version differs very little from the Toyota and is called the BRZ.

The GT86 is like a breath of fresh air for those who love driving as it is one of the best driving cars of recent times and at a touch under £25,000 the well-equipped newcomer is great value.

Under the bonnet is a flat-four 2.0-litre petrol motor of Impreza origins which pushes out a healthy 197bhp and helps to give the car its low centre of gravity.

With the motor willing to rev strongly all the way to its 7,400rpm red line limit, the car demands to be driven and will leap away when you dap your foot on the accelerator. It has an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

With a superb chassis, rear drive and a well-tuned suspension set up, it is beautifully balanced for fast driving and pinpoint handling and feels light and agile. It is also comfortable with the suspension, although firm, managing to soak up most road imperfections.

On the motorway it cruises comfortably and effortlessly.

The short-throw six-speed manual gearbox has well-spaced ratios and a slickness demanded by press-on drivers. The steering adds to the excellence, being nicely weighted and responsive. Also available is an auto gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles but for the present the manual box is popular.

Underway, the Toyota feels like a classic sports car and the beauty is that it comes with all the benefits of the latest technology, creature comforts and safety features such as seven airbags and the reassurance of electronic stability control.

And as one Toyota representative pointed out, the GT86 doesn’t resort to turbo power, big tyres or four-wheel-drive to help control its behaviour. “Those cars have become boring,” he reckoned.

The GT86 appears great from all angles with its alloy wheels looking the part. At the front it has prominent wing bulges and a low open grille. The sloping rear is punctuated by twin tailpipes which can emit a growl like Louis Armstrong’s gravelly voice when the engine is really hard at work.

A smart entry system unlocks the doors as long as you have the key with you. Inside, the cabin is roomy and well laid out with a low driving position and a driverfocused dash.

The seats are very supportive with plenty of adjustment to arrive at a comfortable driving position.

Leather upholstery with heated seats adds a touch of class to the interior while in the rear the car is rather cramped for larger passengers unless the front seats are slid well forward. For most of the time the rear seats, with Isofix anchor points, will only be suitable for children or small adults.

However, the boot is a generous size for the weekly shopping or weekend suitcases and is well shaped for a two plus two. With the rear seats folded the cargo space doubles to give plenty of room.

Options include colour touch screen, audio and sat-nav, pearlescent paint and black leather with heated sports seats.

With Toyota’s splendid reputation for reliability and a fiveyear/ 100,000-mile warranty there should be peace of mind for purchasers.