New York show: Toyota updates 86 sportscar

TOYOTA has released images of the updated version of its popular 86 sportscar, bringing refreshed styling tweaks and mild mechanical upgrades distinguishing it from the outgoing version.

The sporty coupe will make its international debut at the New York motor show next week before it arrives in Australian showrooms towards the end of 2016.

Light styling tweaks include a revised front bumper and foglight bezels, re-configured LED headlights and a larger grille. An updated rear bumper is also included, as is new-look 'sports' LED tail-lights.

The design of the alloy wheels has been refreshed, and the 86 logo has moved to a single badge on the front fender, as well as on the outside edge of the front headlights.

Mechanically, the 86 receives a revised suspension tune that focuses on shock absorber and spring rates, while manual variants get a performance boost thanks to a gear ratio change as well as a 4kW/9Nm increase in power and torque (up from 147kW/205Nm). Hill-start assist is also standard.

The top-spec GTS also gets mildly refreshed interior styling, including new Grandlux material covering the instrument panel surround and door trims, new seating material with silver stitching and a steering wheel with integrated audio controls.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said he hopes the success of the 86 in Australia will continue with the new update.

“A pure focus on dynamic response and driver engagement has struck a chord with its growing fan base, and this 86 update is sure to add further fuel to that fire,” he said.

“With sales in excess of 16,000 units in Australia to date, the 86 has been a phenomenal success.” Toyota sold 3006 86s in Australia last year, which was enough to make it the best-selling sub-$80,000 sportscar, followed by the Hyundai Veloster (2685), BMW 2 Series (1902) and well ahead of its Subaru BRZ twin (607).

Mazda's all-new MX-5 that lobbed in 1.5-litre guise in August was also a strong seller, shifting 917 units.

So far this year the 86 is the second-strongest selling model in the segment (440), trumped only by the new Ford Mustang (745).