Not for the first time, the Toyota GT86 has scooped up the Performance Car of the Year title at the honestjohn.co.uk awards.
This year marks the second consecutive year that Toyota’s Sports Coupe has driven off with this particular accolade, racing ahead of other, more expensive models.
The Honestjohn.co.uk awards function slightly differently to the usual style of award ceremony as awards are given to cars that achieve the most visitor attention to the website, which records over 1.6 million views per month.
Toyota’s GT86 model proved to be the most popular in its class when it came to attracting the public’s attention over the past year, far surpassing any of its rivals.
Editor of honestjohn.co.uk, Dan Harrison, said: “With a genuine sports car feel, superb handling and the ability to always put a smile on your face, the GT86 is the car we’ve been waiting several years for Toyota to build.”
It’s no wonder that Toyota’s GT86 Coupe model proved popular with drivers as it is a product of completely driver-focused design.
It is defined by its front-mounted, 197bhp 2.0-litre “boxer” petrol engine, its low centre gravity and its low weight which give it the poise and handling of a true driver’s car.
Performance figures for the GT86 are in –keeping with the Coupe’s sporty nature; the model will manage a zero to 62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 140mph.
The GT86 is refreshingly frugal too as Toyota claims it has a maximum combined fuel cycle of 39.8mpg, when specified with the automatic transmission. If opting for the manual gearbox, the GT86 promises a return of 36.2mpg.
Toyota has endeavoured to keep its GT86 Coupe simple, which in turn makes for an attractive price tag, doubtless another reason for its popularity.
The current 2014 Toyota GT86 Coupe is available to buy now from around £25,100.