New Toyota Celica breaks cover

Toyota has finally confirmed its intent to re-enter the coupé market by unveiling the FT-86 concept. The newcomer will make its debut alongside an all-new Formula One car, as well as a remarkably small CO₂-free electric vehicle called the FT-EV II that's smaller than the iQ, but still capable of seating four.

But it's the FT-86 that will garner most interest on Toyota's Tokyo stand because the car is tantalisingly close to production. It's still two years away yet, but it is already rumoured that Toyota is targeting a sub-£20,000 price tag and will focus on low weight and purity of handling. It's shorter than a BMW 1 Series Coupé by 20cm, but will still seat four.

The coupé is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru and as such features the latter's venerable 2.0-litre boxer engine - as found in the Impreza - with 146bhp and 141lb.ft. That, of course, raises the prospect of a rapid turbo version, although that won't arrive until at least 2011. Subaru will produce its own version of the FT-86 too.

Mark Nichol