Car reviews

Introduction

The previous generation MR2 was often called a poor-man’s Ferrari due to its sporty appearance and mid-rear engine. It had that characteristic oversteer inherent to this type of vehicles. What many people noticed, however, was that the old MR2 lacked the dynamics. 7.7 seconds to 60mph and 137mph top speed was far less than the level of performance offered by other sports cars. So, how do you make a sports car more attractive in the 3rd generation and boost the sales? Offering a smaller engine and dropping the not-so-great top speed figure? That’s exactly how Toyota decided to approach this matter. It’s not all bad, though, the ride quality of the car makes up for the seeming lack of power.

Exterior & Interior

The 3rd generation Toyota MR2 was a part of the Genesis project that was started globally to attract a younger generation of car buyers. That’s why the mature Italian-like MR2 was turned into an entirely different car with more angular body features. It was even more angular as a concept car, but before production it may have gained some inspiration from the Porsche Boxter and it was smoothed out and made curvier. Nevertheless, certain bulkiness and angularity remained and it seemed that the customers are taking to the new styling of the MR2.

The cabin of the MR2 is very small, but there’s just about enough space for two adults. Toyota used to say that the MR2 was inspired from the F1 styles. It certainly feels as crammed as in an F1 car, the lack of boot space is another similarity to a race car, and finally it’s the road-holding that resembles a real supercar.

The interior design is quite simple but decent. It looks like a typical Toyota of the early 2000s but the extremely low seating position is actually pleasing. The MR2 was available in 3 body styles, cabrio, hard top and spider. If initially well received, the angular body shape later received some criticism and was partly blamed in the poor sales figures of the Toyota MR2.

Drive

If you don’t mind the mediocre top speed figure of 131mph (that’s if you have a possibility to legally do more), the MR2 is actually very enjoyable. The slight oversteer takes your breath away and acceleration of 7.7 seconds to 60mph is not brilliant, but is better than the majority of other cars out there. Nevertheless, the move of decreasing the MR2’s engine size was a bad idea and the feeling of lack of power never really leaves you.

The amount of grip you get, the ride quality and sharp handling abilities is probably what sells the car. If only that engine was a bit more powerful! The MR2 went very well with the Toyota’s Genesis strategy – the car was competitively priced and considering that very few young people are professional drivers, the MR2 offers everything that an average enthusiastic car lover would want.

Faults & Repairs

Although thanks to its mid-rear engine, the construction of the car was very different from other contemporary Toyotas, they’ve managed to execute this one well. It’s a reliable car – just like any other modern Toyota. The car being was marketed as a sporty vehicle and many owners took it to a limit meaning that some used examples are in a less than brilliant state. You can normally detect any problems by listening for unhealthy noises in the engine or suspension.