By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

The list of true competitors for the Mazda Miata has been pretty small since its introduction back in 1989. Most similarly sized rear-drive roadsters have either been too expensive (Audi TT, BMW Z3/Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster), too compromised (Toyota's last US-only MR2) or have been driven by the wrong wheels (third-gen Mercury Capri).

Well, the long-running rumour that Toyota (and by default, Subaru) would take another crack at it, this time using its fantastic GT 86 has finally been confirmed. (The GT86 is sold as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ here in Canada.)

From appearance, it looks like the concept retains the coupe's 2+2 seating, and we'd guess the top is powered canvas rather than a heavy folding-metal hardtop. The larger wheels and low-profile tires are tucked way up into the arches, but that's pretty standard autoshow-preview stuff... Production versions would probably ride on the same modest 17-inchers found on regular models, although perhaps a different style to differentiate the two.

The biggest improvements appear in the cabin, which gets a leather-covered padded dash, some additional gauges and new radio, and some screaming yellow/gold interior accents and carpets.

We'd guess the addition of the convertible top probably adds about 100 kg to the GT 86, but it would retain most of the fun and rewarding behaviour we've grown to love so much.

Don't hold your breath on these ever coming to Canada... Maybe the US, but there are too few potential buyers up north.

The GT 86 Open Concept will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show later in March.

Dale Jewett, AutoWeek

Toyota is exploring a convertible version of the Scion FR-S coupe and will show a concept of the open-top car at the Geneva motor show in early March.

The concept wears the FT-86 Open nameplate. Toyota uses the GT86 name in Europe for the car sold here as the Scion FR-S. In Japan, the car is badged as the 86. Subaru sells a mechanically similar car as the BRZ and builds the cars for itself and Toyota.

Toyota often gives its concepts an FT name, which stands for Future Toyota.

By John LeBlanc for MSN Autos Canada

Along with a high-performance version of its subcompact box-on-wheels, the above headline is the question Kia will ask soon enough, as the Korean automaker ramps up for the launch of its second-generation Soul family next year.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

So here's something a bit awkward... This is the Scion tC Release Series 8.0, meaning the eighth time Scion has put together a 'limited-edition' package for its established coupe. R-S 8.0 distinguishes itself from previous years by being painted in arrest-me-red paint, with 18-inch black-chrome wheels, a full skirt kit, rear spoiler and centrally-routed exhaust. The only changes to the tC's interior are colour-matched seat stitching and a numbered plaque.

Like every other tC, the Release Series uses the same 180-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or automatic. Price? About $24,400, or about $3,500 more than a 'base' tC. 

Or, as immediately to my mind, only $1,500 away from Scion's MSRP on its hot new FR-S coupe. Hmm. That's embarrassing.

The FR-S is being widely praised as one of the best-handling cars around for any price, and is a return to Toyota's rear-wheel-drive roots. It has more power than the tC thanks to a high-revving Subaru-sourced 2.0-litre 'boxer' engine with 200 horses, weighs significantly less, and is almost certainly guaranteed to become a future 'classic'.

There's nothing really wrong with the tC - it's reasonably quick, handles tidily, comes well equipped and won't cost a fortune to run. But to me, it doesn't inspire the same level of passion as the FR-S. I'd find a way to scrounge up the extra dough...

That's me, but what about you? Would you opt for tC over FR-S? Maybe you feel rear-wheel drive wouldn't work as a year-round machine so you'd never even consider the FR-S?

Let us know in the comments.

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Although we're still waiting to drive one on Canadian soil, the new Toyota GT86 (i.e. the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ) is creating all kinds of anticipation. A light, well-engineered rear-drive sports car that has adequate power (200 hp) and won't break the bank (around $26,000 to start). 

While we've been eagerly awaiting word on hotted-up models from the factory, but  nothing really substantive has appeared on our radar. Until now.

Gazoo Racing, a company with plenty of history for modifying and racing Toyota products not only in Japan but in Europe too, has released a few photos of what it calls the Sport FR Concept. Besides the bigger rear wing, different wheels and brakes, the 2.0-litre boxer-four has not only a turbocharger, but a supercharger too! Combined, the engine is rated at 320 horsepower (and probably similar torque), a significant increase over stock.

'Twin-charging' isn't really new; the infamous Lancia Delta S4 rally car where it helped produce over 500 horsepower for that Group B monster. The '80s Nissan March Super Turbo and more recently most 'warm' versions of the Audi A1/Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia/Volkswagen Polo.

Gazoo has also prepared and will run a pair of GT86 racecars - presumably with similar engine mods to the Sport FR - along with its usual Lexus LFA in the 40th-anniversary of the Nurburgring 24-hour race this coming weekend.

Would you be interested if the Sport FR became a package available from your local Scion dealers?

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Subaru's first rear-drive sports car coming later this June. Co-developed with Toyota, the Subaru version doesn't differ much from its Scion FR-S twin, but it will differ in price.

The lowest priced six-speed manual Subaru runs $27,295 while the Scion is $25,990. Adding an automatic transmission bumps the BRZ to $28,495 and we'd assume a similar amount for the FR-S... But that's still a $1,300 premium for the Subaru, at least at first glance.

The answer may come later when Scion reveals exactly how its cars will be equipped. For now, we only have details from Subaru and it appears even the 'base' BRZ will come with niceties like a touch-screen navigation system and HID headlights. The $2,000 Sport-tech package will bring leather seats, foglights and keyless ignition. Knowing how Scion prefers to 'mono-spec' its cars - meaning well-equipped one-spec models where the buyer only chooses colour and transmission - the FR-S could come with most of those toys standard.

In the U.S., the price gap is less than $1,000. Still hefty, but more understandable.

So what would you pick? Would the $1,300 price gap be enough to send you to Scion? Or does Subaru command a more premium place in the market than the youth-oriented Toyota brand?

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

The upcoming Scion FR-S (and its kissing cousin, the Subaru BRZ) also have a third member of the family: the Toyota GT 86. The Toyota version will carry the bulk of worldwide sales since Scion is exclusively a North American brand, and the '86' in GT 86 refers to the last real rear-drive sporty car that the company built for the general public: the AE-86 Corolla built in the mid-'80s.

So even though the AE and GT have over 25 years between them, they share certain qualities. They are both light-weight, have acceptable but not overwhelming power, have few frills and toys, and crucially, are enthusiasitically rear-wheel drive. Since GT 86 = FR-S, then the same goes for the new Scion too.

Which brings us to the question of the day: Since '80s music is influencing music and fashion again, what other '80s driving hero car would you bring back? Let us know...

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Volkswagen's Up line of sub-subcompacts has been receiving a steady stream of positive reviews for bringing some much-needed sophistication to an otherwise price-sensitive class. Now, the company announced it will build a performance-minded GT version based on a concept shown at the last Frankfurt auto show. It'll have nearly double the power (110 horses!), aggressive styling and presumably a more tied-down feel around corners.

That little three-cylinder turbo would provide more than adequate if the Up were to come here to North America, joining an ever-increasingly large number of offerings in the mini-subcompact class. The Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart Fortwo are the three currently on sale in Canada, and will soon be joined by the Chevrolet Spark.

Would Volkswagen have a business case to sell the Up in Canada? If so, does your current lifestyle support buying something so small, perhaps as a second commuter car? Or for a student looking for an inexpensive set of new wheels?

Also, what other 'mini-subs' out there would you like to see on our roads? The Ford Ka, like this photo on the right? A Nissan Pixo? Let us know!

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

For about 15 years, there was a complete lack of affordable rear-wheel drive cars. Memories of tossable Nissan 240SX's, Toyota MR2's and Corollas were but a fading memory, and the pony cars offered by Ford and General Motors weren't worth the effort.

Now, the Mustang is back in a big way, offering 300 horsepower and neat handling for $21,000, while Hyundai's $25,000 Genesis Coupe will get a revised 275-horsepower turbocharged four-banger in 2012. The Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger both offer well over 300 horses for just under $27,000.

Bing: Learn about the benefits of rear-wheel drive.

But the latest pair to join the fray come from corporate cousints Toyota and Subaru: the Toyota GT 86, released today in Japan and due to hit Canadian shores as a Scion soon, and the Subaru BRZ will use direct-injection 2.0-litre boxer engines and six-speed transmissions to send 200-odd horsepower to the rear wheels. Chances are they'll be light and tossable. And hopefully relatively inexpensive given the increasing competition.

Do either of the new Japanese cars interest you? And how much would you pay for one? Would you bite if they were a Genesis-matching $25,000?

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Scion is trying to find its ground in Canada, some seven years after the brand was launched in the U.S. But it looks like the company isn't wasting any time trying to get onto young consumers' collective radar.

Its first attempt is the inaugural Canadian Tuner Challenge: three car customizing shops across Canada will each get one Scion, $10,000 in cash, and unlimited access to the combined Scion/TRD parts catalogue. The goal is to create a jaw-dropping machine in time for the two Importfest celebrations this coming August in Toronto and Montreal. The overall winner will be chosen by a panel of judges, awarded $5,000 and have their winning ride shipped off to the SEMA show in Las Vegas in early November.

The three teams are SR Auto Group of Richmond, BC who are modifying an xB, Camo Customs in Lachine, QC to will focus on the sub-compact xD, and Team TDS of Toronto, ON who'll round out the group with a tC coupe. 

Visit the Tuner Challenge website where you can not only check on the build progress, but also enter to win a contest to attend SEMA with Toyota this fall. 

So which vision do you like the best?