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Back in 2015, Toyota introduced a compact roadster named the S-FR. Fast-forward to 2024, and there are developments regarding the neo-retro roadster, inspired by the Toyota Sport 800. New developments regarding the Toyota SF-R came along with news of the revival of the Toyota Starlet, as a rally homologation special, powered by the GR Yaris’ punchy, three-cylinder turbo.
Given Toyota's involvement with other carmakers, on numerous occasions, and the S-FR's similarity to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, many of us are asking ourselves, is this a rebadged Mazda Miata? Let's put the record straight.
What Toyota S-FR is and what it isn't.
No, Toyota S-FR is not a rebadged Mazda Miata. Well, not the upcoming production version anyway. I am saying this because a one-off, Toyota S-FR based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata exists and it was done by students he Saitama Automobile College, to be exhibited at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. Underneath, the car is an NC Miata.
We already mentioned how the upcoming Toyota MR2 will be jointly developed by Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu, but apparently, the partnership extends to other upcoming models. We have already seen some rebadged Toyota models sold under the Suzuki name and vice versa, a case in point being the current-generation Toyota Starlet, which is a rebadged, slightly more upscale Suzuki Baleno.
The S-FR will, likely, use a version of Toyota's TNGA platform, adapted for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The S-FR will share the upcoming Toyota Starlet's 1.3-liter, turbo-three engine, which will make 150 horsepower and 220 Nm or 162 pound-feet. Hopefully, a GR variant with the 1.6-liter turbo-tree will also make an appearance.
Toyota S-FR will come with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
Toyota S-FR could mean the return of another iconic name.
The S-FR's co-development with Suzuki will result in badge-engineered models, and given the S-FR's characteristics, we are expecting to see the rebirth of the Suzuki Cappuccino. Given the involvement of Toyota subsidiary, Daihatsu, this could also be sold as the next-generation Daihatsu Copen.
The Toyota S-FR will give Mazda MX-5 a run for its money.
Reports from Japan suggest that the new Toyota roadster will be in the A or B segments, which currently doesn't have a lot of offerings. The soon-to-be-discontinued Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 are the main players here. Japanese car magazine, Best Car Web, also quoted dimensions for the Toyota S-FR.
The overall length is “around 4,000 mm” and the overall width, 1,700 mm to 1,750 mm (likely depending on whether it's GR or not), making the S-FR just slightly larger than the MX-5 Miata, at 3,970 mm length and 1,675 mm width. The S-FR will feature a significantly longer wheelbase of 2,480mm versus the MX-5's 2,310 mm. In terms of weight, we see a figure of 2,425 pounds (1,100 kg), which is on par with the Mazda roadster.
It is confirmed that Suzuki and Daihatsu will have their own version of the S-FR. The interiors will be identical, just like the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spyder, but the exterior styling will differ across the brands.
Toyota S-FR promises a bit more practicality than the Mazda MX-5.
Despite the small packaging, Toyota's S-FR is a two-plus-two-seater. As Kirk Kreifels points out, this is, likely, for insurance purposes, so you can bet those rear seats will best serve as a storage space. Still, it could be viewed as a slight advantage over the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which has always been a two-seater.
According to the Best Car Web renderings, the overall styling of the S-FR has grown from the 2015 concept, but we are yet to see a finalized design. This is even more true for the Suzuki and Daihatsu models, but we expect they would be inspired by their forbearers.
Where is the Toyota S-FR coming out and how much will it cost?
According to the latest information, the Toyota S-FR and its Suzuki and Daihatsu counterparts will appear in the period 2026-2027, which coincides with the discontinuation of the current Toyota GR86.
The Toyota "86” will be resurrected as a turbo-three hybrid coupe, which will likely put it in the upper segment, leaving Toyota S-FR as the natural rival to the Miata. Toyota S-FR is expected to be in the range $23,000 to $27,000.
What do you think of the new Toyota S-FR? Please, click the red link below to write your comment and join the discussion.
About the author:
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: 2015 Toyota S-FR
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