Kouki vs Zenki

The 86 considerably underwent two significant facelifts during its production run: the Zenki and Kouki updates. The Zenki facelift, meaning “early period” in Japanese, was introduced in 1985. It brought subtle changes to the car’s exterior, including a redesigned front grille and bumper, as well as updated taillights. Inside, the Zenki models received refinements to enhance the overall driving experience. On the other hand, the Kouki update, meaning “late period” in Japanese, arrived in 1987, marking the final facelift before the AE86’s production concluded. The Kouki models featured more noticeable styling changes, such as a revised front end with pop-up headlights for a distinct and modern look, along with updated taillights and a revised rear bumper. These facelifts gave the AE86 different appearances, with the Zenki exuding a classic charm and the Kouki showcasing a more contemporary design.