- Free-revving 2.0-litre 3S-GE engines
- Lightweight body makes for agile handling
- Impressive dynamics for post-November 1992 MR2
- For pre-November 1992: potentially dangerous lift-off oversteer and pitch/dive when accelerating/braking
- For early models, notchy gearshift linkages
- Dull interior
Review: Toyota SW20.I MR2 (1990-94)
Overview
Released in March 1990, the Toyota SW20 Series I (SW20.I) MR2 was a mid-engined, two-door coupe with a targa roof. In Australia, the rear-wheel drive MR2 was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Although hardtop, convertible and turbocharged models were available in overseas markets and privately imported, this review is solely concerned with the models imported and sold by Toyota Australia.
3S-GE engine
The MR2 was powered by Toyota’s 2.0-litre 3S-GE engine which was designed in conjunction with Yamaha. The engine had a cast iron block and aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead cams, pent-roof combustion chambers and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.
Dimensions and suspension
The MR2 was 4170 mm long, 1700 mm wide, 1235 mm tall and had a 2400 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the MR2 had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower L-arms and MacPherson strut rear suspension with dual-link lower arms.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 117 kW at 6600 rpm | 190 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Toyota MR2 consisted of ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Toyota MR2 included 14-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power windows.
From November 1992, the MR2 was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres and revised rear suspension with longer toe links. These changes were made in an attempt to overcome lift-off oversteer when cornering, though this is a common trait of mid-engined vehicles.
Review: Toyota SW20.II MR2 (1994-99)
Overview
Released in March 1994, the SW20 Series II (SW20.II) MR2 introduced a revised range which consisted of GT and Bathurst variants. Visually, the SW20.II MR2 could be identified by its round tail-lights, body-coloured side skirts and one-piece spoiler.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT, Bathurst |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 125 kW at 7000 rpm | 186 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its SW20.I predecessor, the Bathurst variant omitted ABS. The GT, however, was fitted with a driver’s airbag and ABS.
From June 1998, the Bathurst was fitted with ABS as standard.
Features
Standard features for the MR2 Bathurst included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.
The MR2 GT was further equipped with CD player, leather trim, front fog lights, power steering and alarm.
June 1998: MR2 update
In June 1998, the MR2 received a new audio head unit with Digital Sound Processing (DSP) and an improved fascia design. The Bathurst was also fitted with new seat and door trim, while the GT received a six-stack CD changer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
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