- Flexible performance of 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE engine
- Impressive, agile dynamics
- Supportive front seats
- Direct, accurate steering provides excellent feedback
- Semi-automatic transmission slow to engage gears on upshifts
- For reverse, need to wait for gear to engage before applying the accelerator
- Steering wheel kickback when cornering
- For ZZW30.I MR2 Spyder, ceramic pieces of the pre-catalytic converter can break and cause engine damage
Review: Toyota ZZW30.I MR2 (2000-02)
Overview
Released in October 2000, the Toyota ZZW30 Series I (ZZW30.I) MR2 was a two-seat, mid-engined convertible. Manufactured in Sagamihara, Japan, the rear-wheel drive Toyota MR2 was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (Toyota’s 1ZZ-FE) that was mated to five-speed semi-automatic (or sequential manual) transmission which had a fully automated clutch. As such, gear shifts could be performed via the short-throw gear lever or ‘E-shift’ buttons on the steering wheel.
1ZZ-FE Engine
The MR2’s 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engine had an all-alloy cylinder block with cast iron liners, an alloy cylinder head, sequential electronic fuel injection, high-strength connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable inlet valve timing (Toyota’s VVT-i), a compression ratio of 10.0:1 and a four-into-two exhaust system with stainless steel headers.
Dimensions and body
Compared to the SW20 MR2 , the ZZW30 MR2 was 285 mm shorter (at 3885 mm), 5 mm narrower (1695 mm), 5 mm taller (1240 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2450 mm). Partially due to the extensive use of high-tensile steel – accounting for 50.7 per cent of the ‘body in white’ mass – the MR2 had a kerb mass of just 975 kg.
The MR2 was fitted with a glass rear window and the manually-operated convertible roof had a one-hand, two-clip construction and was capable of being raised or lowered within 60 seconds.
Suspension and steering
The MR2 had MacPherson strut front suspension with L-shaped lower arms and MacPherson strut rear suspension with dual lower link arms. The MR2 was also fitted with a speed-sensitive electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 (1ZZ-FE) |
5sp semi-auto | 103 kW at 6400 rpm | 170 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features: MR2
Standard MR2 features included 15-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels (with 185/55 R15 81V front and 205/50 R15 85V tyres), a four speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, contoured sports seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows power mirrors and an immobiliser.
The MR2 was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
Related links
Review: Toyota ZZW30.II MR2 (2002-05)
Overview
Released in October 2002, the Toyota ZZW30 Series II (ZZW30.II) MR2 introduced a six speed transmission and improved safety equipment. Rear suspension braces and recalibrated dampers were also introduced for improved ride quality and stability.
Visually, the Toyota ZZW30.II MR2 could be identified by its new projector type low-beam headlights, integrated front fog lamps, body-coloured side air intake, rear grille, larger exhaust pipe diffuser, rear combination lights and larger rear wheels (16-inch). Inside, the MR2 had new trim, graphics, a Fujitsu Ten audio unit and subtle changes to the centre console and heater/ventilation controls.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 (1ZZ-FE) |
6sp semi-auto | 103 kW at 6400 rpm | 170 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its ZZW30.I predecessor, safety equipment was upgraded with traction control and electronic stability control fitted as standard.
MR2 Sportivo kit
From January 2003, a Sportivo option kit was available, which added front, side and rear skirts and a rear spoiler; a removable hardtop was also available.
February 2004: MR2 upgrade
Toyota MR2s produced from February 2004 benefited from a technical upgrade which increased body rigidity and the ability of the body structure to disperse impact forces. New components included front under-members and momentum cancellers between the front side members and the front strut towers, a bumper brace, a strut bracket brace and floor-to-rocker brace panels; reinforcements were made to the upper front members, kick panel, floor-tunnel, floor cross members, centre pillar and centre floor cross-member.
Safety was also improved with an anti-intrusion mechanism for the brake pedal and cushioning material below the accelerator pedal. As a result of the stiffer body, the suspension was recalibrated.
2004 MR2 TTR (Toyota Team Racing) variants
In March 2004, limited-run TTR variants were released; these models were distinguished by their black leather trim, air conditioning and ‘TTR’ emblems.
Related links
- Press Release: Toyota ZZW30.II MR2 Spyder (October 2002)
- Press Release: Toyota ZZW30.II MR2 Spyder upgrade (April 2004)
- Press Release: Toyota ZZW30.II MR2 Spyder TTR Limited Edition (April 2004)
- Wikipedia.org: Toyota ZZW30 MR2
