What they said when the Toyota MR2 was new… (Aug 6 2001)
IMPRACTICAL it may be, but for fun driving the Toyota MR2 is a little belter.
Fast, nimble and good looking it offers a stiff challenge to its competitors the MGF and Mazda MX-5.
Rear wheel drive, mid-engine powerplant and a Porsche Boxster lookalike front end give this little roadster a powerful presence on the road.
At £17,980 the gutsy little Toyota offers value for money. Standard features are impressive, offering alloy wheels, CD player, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, heated rear window and powered windows.
But even without a high specification the soft top roadster has a lot going for it. It handles beautifully. Thanks to the mid-engine layout it is almost perfectly balanced 50:50 and, with the longest wheelbase of the bunch, has great stability.
Its suspension soaks up the bumps and with the top down in the recent long-awaited summer sunshine there was no noticeable flexing or shake from the chassis or body. A hard top is a factory fit option.
Power comes from a 1.8-litre VVT-i engine which will push the roadster to 130 mph and power it from standstill to 62 mph in a fraction under 8 seconds. And it has a claimed fuel return on mixed driving of 38 mpg.
There is enough oomph to satisfy most drivers and it comes into its own on country roads. Unlike some other sporty cars, the M2 really involves the driver, with steering that gives a good feedback, a suspension that's firm without being boneshaking, slick close ratio 5-speed box, and brakes you can trust.
It feels like a proper sports car from an older generation but combines the latest high-tech automotive safety features and equipment. Steering is beautifully weighted and every movement of the wheels is transmitted to the driver. You know exactly what is going on down below and can attack bends with confidence.
Dials and switches are well laid out and the driving position and all-round vision good, even with the easily stowed hood up. Folding the triple-layered top into place is done manually, but takes just a few seconds and is not in the least difficult.
What the MR2 does lack - and it could be a big drawback for some - is storage space. It has no boot, just a small amount of space under the bonnet next to the spare wheel and a couple of storage bins behind seats.
But this isn't a car for the family man or woman. It's more likely to be bought by free spirited singles as a second car used during the summer months for fun weekends or a bit of posing around town.
Words: Stewart Smith
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