A manufacturer known for its green credentials, Toyota is looking to reinvent a sportier look with the launch of the new GT86, showcased at this year’s Company Car in Action event.

“The GT86 is a bit of a throwback to cars that we had 15-20 years ago, it’s a great car that is fun to drive. Sometimes too much focus on green credentials and CO2 can be seen as dull, we just want to remind everyone that we can create exciting cars,” said Ewan Shepherd, general manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet and Remarketing Services.

Twinned with the new Subaru BRZ, the GT86 created much interest on the Toyota stand at this year’s CCIA and was fully booked with drivers eager to take the sports car for a drive along the Millbrook test tracks.

The GT86 goes on sale at the end of the month available in both manual and automatic with a top speed of 140mph, prices starting from £24,995.

As well as the GT86, Toyota and Lexus brought five new hybrids to the event, including the Prius Plus which is due to arrive in showrooms by the end of July.

Shepherd is keen to emphasise the importance of the brand's green credentials and the manufacturer's overall goal to create a true zero emission car.

“The mission is to have a car that is zero emissions or one that cleans the car as it drives, but at the same time we need models that excite the brand,” said Shepherd.

Toyota has enjoyed a strong year in fleet, with total sales up 23%. True fleet sales to May are up 11% - or just under 1,000 units to almost 9,000 - while the company has also increased its rental volumes from just under 800 in 2011 to almost 2,000 this year.

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