Road Test/Toyota MR2 1.8 Roadster: The "me" generation is alive and well driving an MR2. Toyota's MR2 is a roadster for the single set and makes no bones about it. It's time to put yourself first and to hell with the hangers-on, writes Michael McAleer.
It's a true roadster with two seats and enough room for a weekend bag. Those in the passenger seat are merely along for the ride. Like its counterparts in the two-seater set, it reaffirms the power of the person behind the wheel. There's no room here for backseat drivers, nor for catering for the passengers. They really are travelling on the second-class ticket. Even the dials are directed at the driver. None of this central console nonsense of letting the world know what speed you're doing.
For motorists driven to dimentia by the prattling of passengers both side and rear, the thought of regaining control whets the appetite for roadster motoring. In the world of two-seat motoring, space means weight - so, if you can live without it, then the MR2 doesn't have it.
This is the third generation of the model, though it's really the fifth version, for there have been updates along the way. The latest changes are not earth-shattering - mainly aesthetic, such as the addition of integrated fog lamps at the front - and will be noticeable to only true MR2 boffins. Yet, it's yet another improvement on a car that has come a long way since its arrival 19 years ago.
In terms of styling, the latest version is miles apart from its early days as the latest mid-engined roadster in a segment dominated by the Triumph TR7s and Fiat X1/9s. Their fondness for rust means that, while you may see one of the early MR2s around these days, the likelihood of finding a perfect TR7 or X1/9 is slim. The only problem with old MR2s is their popularity with "modifiers" - you'll have a hard time finding one without darkened windows, and a host of "go-fast" stripes.
It's not just aesthetics that have changed. Take this latest model and match it against the original model of 1984 and there is a wealth of difference in handling. Where the earlier model had a tendency to flitter about at the front, things are calmer and more organised with this model. All this lends itself to a temptation to power earlier out of corners.
The car seems to soak up all manner of problems. Ride quality is not as harsh as some of its competitors. With no real bone rattle, it's capable of mopping up back road bumps without too much call for a chiropractor. Though the three-spoke steering wheel could be more aesthetically "sporty" (buyers should head for a Motor Factors store and opt for Momo), the steering is so precise that the slightest turn brings instant response in the wheels. Newcomers to the world of roadsters will also find the MR2 quite a forgiving companion.
With little or no overhang at either end, the wheels have been placed at the furthest point on each corner. What this means behind the wheel is that it would take a stroke of genius to get this car to break contact with the road.
Inside and the ubiquitous Toyota 1.8-litre VVT-I engine, producing 138 bhp and 170 Nm torque, ticks behind your back. This is combined with a six-speed short-throw gearbox, that is also to be found in the Celica.
While the engine was quiet at low revs, to drive this car properly it must rest around the 3,000-4,000 rpm bracket where the action is. This means that when you want a more sedate ride, the low revs are perfect. Yet despite its proximity it never really disturbs the cabin's inner sanctum unless pushed.
The cabin itself, despite complaints about the darkness and being a definite no-go area for claustrophobics, has strong overall ergonomics which seem to wrap the driver. The stereo, though poor ergonomically and featuring fiddly small buttons that take your eye from the road, offers quite good sound quality.
As for visibility, being low to the ground rules out sightseeing, but there are no great problems, bar the tendency of the rear view mirror to vibrate and blur your images of the rear.
We tested a hard-top version and the interior is dark when the roof is on. Every time we were tempted to go topless, a downpour dampened our enthusiasm. The comfort factor with hard-tops is the feeling of extra security and sturdier protection from the elements. The downside is that once removed, you better be sure it does not rain, or you could find yourself in a mobile bathtub.
The critical factor about luggage space arises from the fact that others in the segment manage to find some luggage space, either behind the engine bay or a more ample locker to the front. The MR2 features only a tiny, awkwardly shaped cubby hole under the bonnet and a couple of shallow lockers behind the two seats.
So what hope for the family member with a raging desire for a roadster? Well, let us put the case for owning the likes of an MR2. It flies the flag for what it calls "empty nesters", singles who don't have families in tow.
All very selfish, some of you may think. Yet there is a case to be made for the family member. Yes, you will need a cheap second-hand family run-around in the driveway as well. But, for the daily trip to and from work, when you travel solo with just a case and a newspaper as luggage, why not make the journey in something more fun than the family saloon?
If in doubt, pull on your environmental hat. The MR2 takes up less road space, has a combined fuel consumption in line with the likes of the Avensis or Ford Mondeo, and, at 1.8-litre, escapes the punitive top VRT rate, along with keeping the road tax bill at a manageable rate.
So, you don't have to be an "empty nester", just an environmentally conscious motorist trying hard to reduce congestion. What if ,you have a bit of fun in the process - all the better!
We're not saying it's the best roadster on the market, but for its money it offers fantastic fun, pinpoint handling, reasonable fuel economy and a touch more refinement than some of the competitors. It may not offer the sheer unadulterated fun of the Opel Speedster, but it does offer a touch more refinement.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: 1,794cc WT-i engine offering 138 bhp at 6,400 rpm and maximum torque of 170 Nm (Newton Metres) of torque at 4,400 rpm.
PERFORMANCE: A top speed of 130 mph with a 0-62 mph of 7.9 seconds.
SPECIFICATION: Integrated front fog lamps. Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, front airbags, optional hard-top.
FUEL: Urban: 28 mpg. Extra-urban: 47.9 mpg. Combined 38.2 mpg.
PRICE: €35,795 - €40,100.
THE COMPETITION
Toyota MR2 1.8 Roadster: 1794 cc; 7.9 (0-60); 130 max speed; 138 bhp; 38.2 mpg combined; €35,795.
MG TF 135. 1796 cc; 8.7 (0-60); 127 max speed; 135 bhp; 35.6 mpg combined; €31,000.
Audi TT 1,8T Coupe 180bhp. 1781 cc; 7.9 (0-60); 140 max speed; 180 bhp; 29.7 mpg combined; €49,600.
Opel Speedster 2.2i. 2198 cc; 5.9 (0-60); 137 max speed; 147 bhp; 27.8 mpg combined; €43,630.
Mazda MX-5. 1597 cc; 9.7 (0-60); 127 max speed; 110 bhp; 34.9 mpg combined; €28,460.