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Convertible
The MR2 evolved from a coupe in the 1990s to a two-seat roadster for the new millennium to take on the Mazda MX-5. This generation sticks with the mid-engined, mini-supercar layout and, like the MX-5, has just the right amount of power to be great fun, but without scaring the pants off newcomers or costing a packet to run.
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The 138bhp 1.8-litre engine is borrowed from the Celica coupe and whizzes away merrily through all five of its gears, with the slick gearshift just adding to the sense of fun. It's all topped off with excellent handling courtsey of the mid-engined layout, and the only thing to watch out for is that the MR2 can catch out the unwary in the wet. As you'd only expect from a car that's been engineered so well, the hood is a masterpiece and folds easily with one hand from the driver’s seat, snicking into a locked position when folded to stop it flapping about. Inside, the cabin has a nice snug, sporty feel, and just enough equipment to be comfortable, although not every model has air-conditioning.
Running Costs
For a great-looking open-top roadster, the MR2 is easy on the wallet, thanks to its use of an engine that’s common to several other models. Toyota’s franchised dealers’ labour charges are generally higher than those for Mazda dealers’, but the MR2 is unlikely to need anything other than routine service work, so this is not such a concern. The MR2 delivers strong performance but also good economy and you can expect a combined consumption of 38.2mpg. It won’t munch through tyres as quickly as many other cars with similar performance, either. Insurance is also reasonable as the MR2 sits in group 13, which is the same as a Mazda MX-5 and less than a Mini Cooper S.