Toyota MR2: The Dwarfed Ferrari

Luggage or girl friend: No compromises in this little midmounted hustler!

Picture by Toyota

You will have to decide before you buy this newly styled uncompromising roadster: luggage or girl friend. Though the MR2 guarantees a maximum of fun in both cases. You will just have to get used to the jumpy rear of this car or simply be a bit more gentle with the throttle. If you keep that in mind it will be easy to follow the company's ad: "Enjoy a bit of folly..."

Picture by Toyota

On the road with Toyotas MR2 Roadster

103 kW/140 hp, 171 Nm at 4400 rpm, six-speed manual gearbox, top speed 210 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h: 7,9 sec, consumption during test drive: 9,4 l/100 km; price: 24.700 Euros (in Germany); 17.150 pounds in UK.

Driving Characteristics * * *
Due to the low seat position, sharp steering characteristics and a very rigid chassis the cars handling is almost like you are driving a go-cart. In spite of the midmounted engine (the main weight is in the rear), traction and stability control the rear wheel drive tends to slip particularly on wet tarmac. Blows and bumps from the road can be felt right through the steering column.

Engine/Powertrain * * * *
140 hp from this midmounted block with variable valve timing make for a great acceleration and TCS accounts for the necessary traction during out-right sprints. The six speed manual gearbox is easy going and nicely precise.

Picture by Toyota

Comfort * * * *
The seats cling comfortably tight to pilot and co-pilot. To work your way out of these seats however you will need a bit of effort. The luggage compartments behind the seats are hard to reach particularly with the folding roof up. The permanent beeps when switching to reverse mode and every time a door is opened gets on your nerves quickly.

Room Capacities/Variability * *
Uncompromising roadster, therefore there is only room for two passengers with "bathing gear luggage". In emergency cases you will have to use the co-pilots foot area – or you might consider to leave the spare wheel at home. On the other hand the mechanical folding roof can be opened and closed in about ten seconds. You won't find an automatic one that is faster.

Standard Trim * * * *
alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, power windows and electric side mirrors, radio/CD player and remote control for the doors.

Workmanship * * * *
decent finish, folding roof with heated glass rear window.

Safety Features * * * *
ABS, stability- and traction control, two airbags, side protection bars integrated into doors.

Competitors
Main competitors in the field are Mazda MX5 1.8i and MG TF with 136 hp.