Find out what MR2 stands for! (Toyota MR2 (2000 on))

Member Name: charlieuk

Product:	Toyota MR2 (2000 on)
Date:	01/03/02 (1549 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun to drive, Affordable

Disadvantages: Little luggage space, Room for two only

Many consider the new MR2 to be a cheap option alongside the Jaguar XK8, or the latest Porsche. Well it is in a way, yet the manufacturers should take this as a complement. £18,000 buys you a UK registered model at the moment, with imports driving the prices ever downwards. And this is money well spent in my opinion.

Options, options, options. So what else can you choose to go with the basics? Leather is around £500, or the semi auto gearbox with leather as standard will set you back around £2,500. The hard top roof is a factory fitted option only and clocks in at around £2,000. A few other options are available, the other specifically of note is the 10 cd changer that is levered into the already tiny luggage space for £250ish. Toyota mats (£?), a luggage holdall (£90), and a full tank of fuel (don't ask don't get!) pretty much rounds off this category.

Ah yes, the luggage space. None in the back (the engine lives there) Behind the two (yes no back seat drivers allowed in this motor) seats a couple of lockable stowaways reside, but believe me, you are certainly not going golfing in this one! Two medium sized sports bags is about capacity, but travel light for the weekend and you'll just about make it. Under the bonnet the spare wheel sits - there is room for the odd pair of shoes if she absolutely positively must bring them.

OK, so the negatives do end there. Alright, one more: it's a manual hood. But with a little practice, you can flick the hood either way from the driving position. A disclaimer here: please make sure that you are stationary when doing this!

So lets cut to the chase: how does it drive? 138bhp provides a handbook 7.9 seconds 0-60, but believe me (and most car magazines, that it is far closer to 7 seconds). Top speed is not marvellous at around 125mph, but hey - when are you really going to get the chance to test that out properly!? Handling is superb in dry weather, the rear whee
l drive really does guide the car around corners as if it has a mind of its own. Try it in the wet though, and you have a different animal altogether. Suffice it to say that in icy conditions I have managed a 360 already. No damage done but I was lucky. The weight is at the back of the vehicle thus once out of control is a real struggle to tame.

Fuel consumption is worthy of note, the 1.8vvti engine manages between 35 - 40 combined, due mainly to the weight (or lack of weight) of the vehicle. A friend of mine has likened the car to a motorbike with 4 wheels. Shame the tax is a full £160 a year then (at the time of writing, although surely to rise again soon!)

The security system is of usual high Toyota quality; a Thatcham Cat 1 fitted as standard, with a neat alarm fob: Press once to lock/alarm/immobilise, twice to add deadlocking, and three times to deactivate the internal movement sensors if you park up with the lid down. A second button unlocks and permits vehicle entry. All internal storage spaces are lockable with the main key as well for added security. Locking wheel nuts and fuel cap locks are also standard.

This is a fun car, not the most practical given the two seats and the lack of luggage space, but comfort and passengers are not what its about. I still, some months after buying one of these, offer to drive and jump behind the wheel at every opportunity.

Lastly, due to popular demand, a word on the styling. A common mistake at a glance or high speed is to think you've just seen a Porsche. Which can't be a bad thing really. Toyota have an uncanny knack of designing their cars in a classy manner, and refuse to bow to the pressure of Ford and suchlike bringing out new models and facelifts every three years. The previous MR2 was around for 9 years, the model before that around eight, if I remember correctly. Which should all hopefully, along with the reliability that Toyota are famed for, add up to a g
ood residual value should you ever wish to part with your beloved. Rest assured that Toyota have paid attention to detail, and this motor remains a head turner of the moment. The curves are in all the right places, with nice light clusters and grilles at both front and back. Inside is nice and cosy, the bucket seats and tight gearbox a constant reminder of what you have bought....I think I'll go take it out now....

No, no I haven't forgotten you. OK, the MR2 thing.

Mid-engined Rear wheel drive 2 seater.

Now go test drive one.

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