Feb 2001 Volume 82 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
Addictive MR2

Driving Toyota’s new MR2 Spyder on a winding country road with its roof down is probably the most fun you could ever have in a car. It is simply addictive, especially in fine weather.

MR2 is a true two-seater, mid-engined sports car that goes every bit as good as it looks. What it lacks in luggage space – and there isn’t much – it makes up for with sheer exhilaration and state-of-the-art technology.

A rev-happy 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels. Of all-alloy construction, the engine features twin camshafts and Variable Valve Timing, with 103kW of power available at 6,400 rpm. Although power output is not legendary, MR2 only weighs 975kg, which gives good power-to-weight ratio. And the engine is delightfully responsive, particularly in the upper rev range.

Toyota has given MR2 a Formula I-style, five-speed sequential manual gearbox. There is a clutch, but its operation is automatic. The driver therefore has no worry about a clutch pedal.

Gear changes are made using a stubby, short-throw gear lever or E-shift buttons on either side of the steering wheel. Although the system takes time to get used to, it is virtually “dummy-proof” – the car’s on-board computer continually monitors driver input and engine output.

As the driver stops the car, the computer automatically selects first gear. All other gear changes, however, are left to the driver. I preferred to use the lever around town and the E-shift buttons during more spirited country driving. The tachometer displays the gear number in use, while the transmission has a number of safety interlock features to prevent damage from incorrect input.

Suspension is fully independent with McPherson struts and coil springs all around. MR2 also features:

• Front and rear stabilizer bars.
• Electro-Hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.
• A 10-metre turning circle.
• Disc brakes all around.
• Four-channel ABS as standard.
• 15-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres.
• A limited-slip differential.

With excellent body styling, MR2 looks much better with the roof down. Its short bonnet, large, round multi-reflector headlamps and steeply raked windscreen add to its appeal. Large side air intakes and vents in the engine hood ensure good air circulation through the engine bay, which also houses the whole exhaust system.

A Police Journal test drive along the South Eastern Freeway on a 33-degree day with the roof down was sensational. At 110km/h with the side windows up, the air conditioner keeps passengers cool, voices don’t need to be raised for conversation and the standard CD-audio system sounds great.

Off the freeway, however – on that winding country road – MR2 comes alive. Cornering is flat, fast and very precise. The engine-and-gearbox combination is spot-on. You won’t want to reach your destination in any hurry.

Seats are comfortable and supportive, and legroom is ample. Before the driver lies an airbag-equipped, leather-bound steering wheel and a set of sporty gauges that feature silver faces and red graphics. The passenger side features an airbag and lockable glove box. In the centre are a lidded storage bin, triple-rotary ventilation controls and a six-stack CD changer.

Other storage areas include two lockable compartments behind the seats, and door-mounted map pockets. A small storage compartment in the cavity under the bonnet houses the emergency-type spare wheel.

Operating the manual soft-top is a simple procedure that takes only a few seconds. The rear window is tempered glass, which allows for a rear demister. A flip-up wind deflector between the seats stops turbulence.

Cheaper cars with more zing than MR2 are available, but few offer this much fun; and most will be left behind after the first bend.

Few true sports cars are available for $44,990. Mazda’s MX5 is certainly in the same league and has more power, but it doesn’t have that sensational sequential gearbox. That makes MR2.

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