New Toyota GT-86

Four examples of Toyota's £25k hero sit on the Geneva Motor Show stand, alongside an original 2000GT from the mid sixties. The new car looks likely to cause just as much fuss.

What is it?

Instead of going after all out power, Toyota and project partner Subaru (its BRZ version is also here at Geneva for the first time) have deliberately built a car that emphasises the driving experience rather than the maximum speed. Hence the naturally aspirated engine and the rear-wheel drive.

What's hot?

Even so, 200hp from a 2.0-litre engine propelling just 1,180kg will certainly help the GT 86 feel pretty keen. The detailing is awesome, too, with a repeated 86 Piston motif and the smallest diameter steering wheel Toyota has ever fitted in a car. It helps bring you closer to the experience, apparently.

What's not?

The looks might carry through to the seats, which are great buckets, but you can see where the costs have been saved when it comes to the dashboard area. And while the GT 86 is apparently the most compact four-seater sports car available today, don't plan to make too many journeys with adults in the back.

How much and when?

Toyota has confirmed a single £24,995 asking price, including 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen stereo. You can join the waiting list right now, with the first cars arriving in July.

Anything else I need to know?

There's a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The 200hp 2.0-litre petrol engine promises sub seven-second acceleration, although Toyota is being coy about the final figures. We'll take ours in orange. Or black. Or... actually, it doesn't matter. Want.

On Bing: see pictures of the Toyota GT 86
Find a used Toyota Celica on Auto Trader