In a world that was just coming to terms with the explosion of hot hatches like the Peugeot 205 GTI and Volkswagen Golf GTI, 1984 witnessed another incredible arrival: the Toyota MR2.
Until then, engines mounted in the middle for better handling balance were the preserve of supercars. Fiat had its X1/9, but the Toyota MR2 was a legend in its own right.
The MR2 (Midship Runabout, 2-seater) was first dreamt up in 1976 with an idea to create an economical car that was fun to drive. Eight years later, this project had morphed into a full-blown sports car and the 1.6-litre engine in the first generation MR2 had 122bhp. That was enough for a 121mph top speed and 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, which could see off most hot hatches.
Just as importantly, the lightweight MR2 tipped the scales at only 1,051kg. Many claim the car was designed by Lotus, hence the light weight, but the MR2 was a pure-bred Toyota. However, Lotus’ chief engineer Roger Becker did help with the set-up of the suspension and handling. Little wonder the MR2 received immediate praise from the press for the way it drove when it was launched.
The lightweight MR2 tipped the scales at only 1,051kg
The only significant change for the MR2 during its production life for European buyers was the introduction of the T-Bar roof model in 1987. This model came with two lift-out panels to give a semi-open cockpit. The panels store behind the seats and it was another instant success for the MR2.
In Japan, also in 1987, Toyota launched a supercharged version of the MR2 that had 145bhp to satisfy the demand for more power from some customers. Sadly, it was not offered in Europe.
The rev-hungry 1.6-litre petrol engine was the only European option and it remains a superb motor. Happy to spin up to its redline all day long, it feels more urgent than its on-paper figures suggest, yet it’s superbly reliable. The five-speed manual gearbox is generally robust too, though it can pop out of fifth gear when it starts to become worn.
Find a good one and the MR2 will reward every day with its brilliant handling. It’s also still very affordable, as it was a car that sold to ordinary drivers rather than rock stars, despite its exotic mid-engined layout.
Fact file
Dates manufactured
1984 -1989
Popular colours
Red, white and blue
Cost at the time
Approximately €15,000 (1985)
Value today
Approximately €3,500 for a good second-hand one
Rival models
Fiat X1/9 and Mazda MX-5