[Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2000 issue of Grassroots Motorsports. Some information and prices may have changed. All text has been left as it originally appeared in print.]
The Mazda Miata has just about loved a competitor-free life for the final 10 years. In any case, the unique 1.9-liter BMW Z3 was too costly (and too sluggish) to be …
The Good
We must say that one of the best half concerning the new MR2 Spyder is merely the truth that the automotive exists. As we mentioned earlier, there hasn’t been a lot of a variety on this market section for the final 10 years. ln no manner are we saying that the Miata is a nasty automotive, however it’s good to have a alternative on this worth and efficiency vary.
Talking of worth, the Spyder’s $23,098 tag appears affordable. It suits squarely in the midst of the Miata’s worth vary, however in contrast to the Mazda, the Toyota comes just one manner. (Sorry, this is not Burger King.) There are not any manufacturing unit choices out there for the 2000 MR2 Spyder, implying that the $23,098 worth is not for any finances, stripped-down model.
All Spyders include niceties like an AM/FM/CD audio system, air-conditioning, tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear glass window and .some snappy-lookjng five-spoke wheels. (One wonders when the wheels will start displaying up on Civics, for the reason that bolt circle seems to be appropriate.)
Except for the usual tools, we rapidly fell in love with the MR2 Spyder’s driving place. We must price the relationship between the driving force’s seat, pedals, steering wheel and shifter as almost wonderful.
We additionally favored the gentle prime mechanism. The latches are very comparable 10 those used on the Miata, however the Toyota’s prime folds in such a manner that it types its personal tonneau cowl.
One other plus goes to the automotive’s gentle weight. In a world the place a 3000-pound BMW M roadster does not look like a giant deal, we like the truth that the MR2 Spyder checks in at solely 2195 kilos, even lighter than the beloved Miata. (The most recent Miata weighs about 2300 kilos.)
The Unhealthy
Whereas there may be a lot to love concerning the new MR2 Spyder, we did discover a couple of sore spots. This stuff do not damage the automotive, however they could be a serious difficulty for some potential patrons.
For one, the car has virtually no carrying room. Even although they have been two-seaters, each earlier generations of the MR2 had sufficient cargo capability. The truth that there may be none within the new automotive sort of shocks us, particularly since Toyota is often one of many extra revolutionary companies on the market.
There’s a minuscule storage spot within the MR2 Spyder’s entrance trunk, and Toyota additionally put andifferent small compartment behind the seats. The EPA measures just one.9 cubic ft of carrying area, which is not a lot bigger than the typical backpack. You will get every week’s value of groceries into the trnnk of an early Miata, whereas the MR2 would solely carry residence your groceries in case your die1 consisls of mns and berries.
…And the Ugly
Magnificence is certainly within the eye of the beholder, however we did not discover the MR2 Spyder to be probably the most enticing automotive ever produced. From the entrance. it seems a linle like these Nick Park cartoon automobiles which might be featured within the Chevron commercials. whereas its flanks give a brand new definition to the time period “slab-sided.” Taken as an entire, it seems a bit of an excessive amount of like a package automotive for our style, though Toyota’s stylists did do an excellent job on the tail. (Too unhealthy you do not drive down the highway againward–not less than not legally.)
Happily, when you slide behind the wheel, all different viewpoints are inconsequential. From that perspective, along with your palms on the wheel and your ft on the pedals, the MR2 Spyder is gorgeous.
Is the MR2 for You?
The reply to that query is determined by what you are on the lookout for and who you’re. The MR2 Spyder makes an important weekend toy and might be the latest, neatest thing for SCCA B Inventory autocrossing.
Alternatively, this new Toyota probably is not the most well liked ticket for a one-car family, even when that household is only one particular person.
All advised, if you’re solely carrying your self and one different particular person (or your self and a field of tissues), then go for it. If not, it’s possible you’ll strive wanting elsewhere. Apart from, its cartoonish entrance means you will have hassle wanting super-suave whereas driving it.
Counterpoint:
The MR2 Spyder is a irritating automotive, because it might have been so a lot better. In inventory kind, the dealing with is sweet, however it lacks the power to simply carry pace in a sweeper like a Miata and even the Celica on which it’s primarily based. This might be as a result of its bizarre transitioning from understeer to oversteer and again once more, one thing that might be solved with higher shocks, though stiffening issues up may exacerbate the already noticeable quantities of cowl shake.
The styling is paying homage to a Porsche, together with the view from the driving force’s seat, however it lacks the traditional great thing about a 911 and even that of a second-generation MR2. Whereas not groteqsue, the impact is extra FUBU than Versace. The truth that the highest goes down will increase its attraction, however right here, once more, one other automotive can do it higher–a Miata on this case.
For round $23k, the R2 Spyder represents a cheap entry into the roadster area of interest, however it’s going up in opposition to robust competitors like a brand new Miata, an excellent used MR2, or perhaps a Porsche that it’s making an attempt to emulate. And do not even get me began on the “trunk.”
–Per Schroeder, GRM Particular Initiatives Supervisor and 1992 MR2 proprietor
In comparison with the Honda S2000, the BMW M roadster or the Porsche Boxster, the brand new MR2 Spyder is a crude little automotive. Then once more, it’s roughly half the value of those different roadsters. Sure, there may be some scuttle shake and no room for any baggage, however the MR2 is probably the most enjoyable automotive I’ve pushed since my Porsche 914.
Talking of the 914, the Toyota MR2 Spyder actually is the non secular successor to that neglected little Porsche. Dimensionally they’re very shut, and viscerally they’ve an uncanny similarity. Sadly, if you happen to take a look at the precise design of the 2 automobiles, the Porsche 914 seems just like the extra trendy car with its well-designed targa prime and huge trunk area.
Maybe the Spyder is an extremely whole lot at $23,000 when in comparison with the Boxster, however what a couple of well-restored 914? A nicely-restored Porsche 914 would price lower than half the cash of the brand new MR2. New-car patrons usually by no means take a look at outdated automobiles, however possibly a couple of extra ought to. In any case, the MR2 is extra toy than sensible car. Does it actually matter if the toy is new or outdated?
–Tim Suddard, GRM Writer and 1973 Porsche 914 proprietor
Driving the MR2 Spyder jogged my memory quite a lot of my outdated first-generation MR2. It felt gentle, had gobs of residing area within the inside, had wonderful outward imaginative and prescient and the dealing with was good, if not fairly nice.
The most important drawback with this little cutie is that it is simply not an actual automotive. There’s completely zero space for storing, and at speeds above 60 mph the automotive feels darty and nervous. Now, there is a wonderful line between responsive and nervous, and this one is clearly on the flawed aspect of that line.
Not that I did not prefer it, thoughts you. Regardless of my whining, the MR2 is a great deal of enjoyable to drive, and actually slightly rewarding whenever you toss it round a bit.
In the event you actually need a motorbike, however simply must have a CD participant and a/c, the MR2 Spyder is a pure alternative.
–J.G. Pasterjak, GRM Manufacturing Supervisor/Artwork Director and former proprietor of a 1985 MR2
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