Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 72%

The first-generation MR2 of 1984 revived the affordable mid-engined sportscar segment; while its successor was larger and less wieldy, the final take on the model marked a very welcome return to the values of the original; a car that put lightness, agility and superb balance at the forefront of the product mix.

Of course the MR2’s return to its roots was very welcome, but Toyota had no choice; the second half of the 1990s saw the arrival of the MGF/TF and Lotus Elise, while Mazda’s MX-5 had already been a threat since 1990. Whether or not the Toyota could comfortably despatch any of these is arguable; what’s undeniable is that the MR2 has a huge amount going for it, so it’s not necessarily a better overall package than its rivals – it’s more a case of being different.

1: Looks

You don’t buy a Toyota for its jaw-dropping exterior detailing, but the MR2 is definitely a looker thanks to a mid-engined configuration that allows a short, low-slung nose. It’s also surprisingly compact, and thanks to its very short overhangs front and rear, the MR2 has a satisfyingly sporty stance.

Toyota definitely missed a trick with the wheel and tyre combination though; by fitting 15-inch alloys and 55-profile tyres (50-profile at the back), the MR2 looks far less sporty than it could – or indeed should.

7/10

2: Looks inside

Functional is the word that best describes the MR2’s cabin, but that’s not necessarily such a bad thing. While there’s nothing in the cockpit to set the pulse racing, it’s all very well laid out and easy to use, just like any other Toyota. It’s just a shame that the cabin is so sombre; what’s really needed is some brightwork to lift things.

The leather-trimmed steering wheel feels great but it adjusts for rake only, which isn’t so impressive. There’s plenty of adjustment in the seats though, and while they don’t look very special they’re actually very supportive in press-on driving.

5/10

3: Practicality

Mid-engined sportscars aren’t renowned for their practicality, but Toyota has taken its focus to extremes here, with a car that offers virtually no luggage space at all; there’s just 90 litres of storage capacity available. There’s no boot in the rear and the nose houses a tiny cubby hole that’s taken up with a space saver tyre.

With just a tiny storage area behind the seats you’ll be doing well to take enough gear with you to last a weekend, never mind a week away. However, for two without luggage the MR2’s cabin is plenty big enough and the roof is simplicity itself to use; it’s held in place by two clips and can be raised or stowed in seconds.

3/10

4:Ride and Handling

Putting the engine between the axles is a surefire way of creating perfect balance – or as close to it as possible. That’s what Toyota has done here with a 42:58 front:rear weight distribution, so it’s no surprise that the MR2 is a joy to pilot on a twisty road. With plenty of grip and a brilliantly neutral chassis it’s easy to hustle the Toyota along without having to slow right down for every bend.

The engine’s position also means there isn’t much weight over the front wheels, ensuring beautifully light and precise steering, while the brakes are strong and fade-free. However, despite all this, the suspension isn’t quite there; it’s very good, but not perfect when really pressing on. At eight tenths the MR2 is truly superb; crank up the dial an extra notch or two though and that’s where its shortcomings become apparent.

7/10

5: Performance

This is what it’s all about; not just in terms of speed but also the way in which you can carry it through the bends. In reality, the MR2 isn’t that fast with a 130mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of dead on eight seconds, but it’s the way this performance is served up that makes it so enticing.

The engine is wonderfully free-revving and thanks to its variable valve timing there’s a decent amount of low-down torque, while the gearchange is an absolute joy; swapping cogs has never been more fun.

8/10

6: Running costs

The beauty of the MR2 is that despite its performance it’s not a costly car to run, thanks to its relatively tame powerplant. As a result, the car sits in insurance group 13; several rungs below some less thrilling warm hatches.

The low weight also helps to keep fuel consumption pretty palatable; the official combined figure is a whisker under 40mpg, so expect low 30s unless the car is thrashed at every opportunity. Maintenance costs are also eminently affordable, as although attention is needed every 10,000 miles, a major service is due only every other visit.

8/10

7: Reliability

Toyota hasn’t built up its reputation for impeccable reliability for nothing; just because the MR2 is a sportscar, it doesn’t mean you should expect anything less than maximum dependability from it. Even hard-driven MR2s give few problems unless they’ve been really abused, but watch out for damaged rear windows; repairing this means replacing the whole roof.

Suspension bushes wear well and brakes will withstand hard use, but the VVT-i engine uses oil after 40,000 miles have been clocked up; as much as a litre every 600 miles isn’t exceptional, so make sure the engine hasn’t been running on empty. Finally, some of the earliest cars (built in 2000) suffered from fragile exhaust manifolds; stronger, redesigned items are available though, which go straight on.

10/10

8: Safety

There are no EuroNCAP crash test figures for the MR2, but if the worst should happen, the whole of the car’s nose acts as one big crumple zone thanks to the engine’s placement, so it should look after you reasonably well. It’s clear from the car’s handling over indifferent roads that its bodyshell is impressively stiff, which definitely inspires confidence.

To help reduce the likelihood of an impact in the first place, there’s a raft of equipment fitted, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags for both driver and passenger. If despite these there’s still a crash, hopefully the seatbelt pre-tensioners and side impact beams will save the day.

8/10

9: Equipment

This is another strong area for the MR2 because Toyota has packed a lot into this tiny car. As well as remote central locking the MR2 comes with electric windows and a dash-mounted one-shot CD player as standard.

While leather trim is optional, as are a hard top and air conditioning, all MR2s feature a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob plus electric door mirrors and a category 1 alarm and immobiliser system.

9/10

10: X-Factor

In isolation, the MR2 is a cracking car for the enthusiast driver, as it’s great to drive, refined, reliable and well equipped. But since the original MR2 debuted, the world changed a lot, with the arrival of a range of very capable cars. The MX-5 offers greater practicality with virtually no dynamic disadvantage while the Lotus Elise could run rings round the Toyota dynamically while still offering greater practicality, if rather less refinement. So while the final take on the MR2 is a great car, it’s not a class leader.

7/10