In 1999, Toyota launched the third generation (W30) of the MR2. The Japanese roadster was inspired by the Porsche Boxster, and once again received a very specific configuration, including an engine placed in front of the rear axle and rear-wheel drive. We have the opportunity to drive this car for a while, and we will of course not deprive you of the impression of this pre-facelift version.
It should be clear: the Toyota MR2 also does not disguise the high quality standards that the Japanese set for their products. The MR2 we drove is a 2000 example and was delivered new in Dortmund. The car came to the Netherlands in 2006, and the current owner has owned the car since 2007. A car just for fun, as evidenced by the still virgin mileage of less than 67.000 kilometers.
And those were nice and sporty kilometers, driven from the perspective of the low seat. The MR2 - which looks absolutely nothing like the previous two generations - offers a very deep and compact seating position, which is a bit on the tight side for people with a long frame. But you can find your way in the MR2 quite effortlessly. All controls are logically structured, the lever is within easy reach, and the seating position is also good. There are few adjustment options, but the design department did ensure the correct proportions, distance and also: excellent seating furniture.
The MR2 is a very nice car to handle. Especially at normal speeds, the Toyota lies like a rock on the road, and the power steering responds quite directly and without significant delay to a movement, without appearing angular. The controls communicate excellently and convey what is happening with great feeling. Braking and clutching are silent, the deceleration is excellent. And slowing down is sometimes necessary. Because the 1 ZZ-FED engine (1.8) does its job excellently behind the occupants, picks up fantastic speed, especially from 3000 rpm, and also challenges you to some extent to pull through well. The Toyota accelerates excellently in all gears, even in five dull momentst observable.
You might think it drives like a go-kart. And yes, the MR2 really sits like a rock on the road, it feels very sturdy and solid. Damping and suspension have a firm character, but they never become rock hard. The chassis tuning (McPherson at the front, double wishbones at the rear, stabilizer at the front and rear) is also excellent in that regard. And yet there is a danger in the MR2. Taking a sharp bend at acceptable speeds is no problem with the MR2. But when you push the edge, you have to be careful. Then the MR2 wants to take a step to the side and then looks for the right line again. Especially if you brake briefly in such a curve and immediately press the accelerator again. Then he gets lost.
One of the reasons for this is the slightly higher center of gravity, the power source seems to be placed slightly higher in the rear of the MR2, and that of course ensures that the front-rear weight ratio is less balanced than you would think in advance. So be careful, but if you keep yourself in check (and with that the MR2), you will have an exceptionally nice driving and meaty roadster. And a car too, which is easy to operate in many respects. The steering wheel feels nice, and shifting gears in this car is simply wonderful, with a very pleasant back pressure.
The question is of course whether we should mention the practical ease of use. The possibility to take things with you is very limited, a rack on the hood could provide some relief for luggage. But driving to Northern Italy packed is of course not the main reason why you buy this car. There are compartments and some storage space for small items, and you can store something behind the front seats. And at the front there is another option to take things with you.
Roadsters have been developed that had more to offer in terms of clean-up options. The configuration with the engine behind the front seats gives this car its own character; at the same time, that solution does take away some ease of use. Although that is not mainly what you will buy this MR2 for, to put it mildly.
Some cars can be operated carelessly, in such a way that you don't even have to think about it. And some cars seem to have that in them, but can surprise you. And that edge makes this MR2 a great all-round roadster, with a challenging character. A fun car, which you can also effortlessly use for longer distances. And you always put a big smile on your face. Because above all it must be stated that this MR2 is really a very nice car to be on the road with. A car, with tricks.
