Toyota GT86 named Top Gear Car of the Year

The credentials of the Toyota GT86 as a sports car star are now beyond doubt, as it has been named the Top Gear Magazine Car of the Year 2012.

It was also TV celebrity Jeremy Clarkson’s personal Car of the Year and the Top Gear Magazine Coupe of the Year.

In taking the titles, GT86 confirmed its status as one of the most exciting new models of 2012. More than that, it’s priced to be affordable for many drivers, rather than being an exotic supercar reserved for the ultra-rich.

Charlie Turner, Top Gear editor, said: "This is a fantastic achievement, for a car to win a Top Gear Award is recognition of a truly exceptional vehicle. Only the remarkable are considered for a Top Gear Award and this year the GT86 has proved to be the stand-out machine.”

The award follows on from GT86’s success in the magazine’s Speed Week contest, featured in the August issue, in which it emerged the overall victor against competition from such exotic machinery as the McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 Carrera S and Lotus Exige S.