The Toyota 86, which has unanimously exceeded the expectations of the Australian automotive media, is likely to maintain its $29,990 starting price for the foreseeable future.

The very affordable Toyota sports coupe, which shocked the Australian automotive world with its low starting price earlier this month, has been the subject of consistent rumours in regards to its launch price, with many inside the industry suggesting that it was not sustainable and nothing more than a temporary marketing ploy.

Speaking to CarAdvice in Cologne, Germany, Toyota Australia’s Corporate Manager of Product Planning, Greg Gardner, confirmed that the Toyota 86’s starting price was here to stay and not just an attempt to grab headlines for the launch (although it certainly had that effect).

“That’s the price just like any normal Toyota car. That’s the price. It’s not a special price, it’s not a six month or three month price.” Gardner said.

Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean it’s not subject to regular business conditions. Gardner admitted that business conditions could change, but that if they do, it would also affect the price of cars like Corolla and Yaris.

“It’s no different to any other Toyota car, we haven’t got a piece of paper that says launch price and then three months down the track we are going to bump up the price.”

The local popularity and the almost cult-like status of the Toyota 86 has seen a huge number of enquiries and early sales, with some dealers now telling potential customers that new 86 orders will not be delivered until February next year (for certain variants).

Whether or not the entry price point will still be under $30,000 in 12 months time remains to be seen, but it’s obvious that Toyota Australia has realised the huge potential of the 86 in helping inject some much needed soul and character into the brand.

Make sure you read our Toyota 86 Review.