TOYOTA is heralding a return to its sporting roots with what the Japanese company claims to be the world's most compact four-seater sports car.

Called the GT 86 in tribute to Toyota's GT car heritage, the model makes its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this week ahead of a UK launch next summer.

With a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, the GT 86 has been conceived as an entirely driver-focused machine, designed to deliver a classic sports car experience.

That means precise, instant response to the smallest throttle and steering inputs and the kind of performance that appeals to people who treat driving as a passion, rather than a necessity.

It is built on a new platform and Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru's new 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine which generates 197bhp.

The GT 86's dimensions make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today and both the powertrain and driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance.

And the flat-four engine format and driver's hip point - the lowest of any current Toyota production model - together give the GT 86 an extremely low centre of gravity.

As for design, the lower grille's scorpion look gives the GT 86 a powerful appearance while sporty details include 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and 86 logo.

Inside, the cockpit has carbon-effect trim, an all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery, aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight aluminium pedals.

And the steering wheel is the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota and is trimmed in buckskin, developed from exhaustive feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best steering performance and grip.