Two Doors

If you’ve been anywhere near an elementary school or a shopping mall this year, you’ve seen the Powerpuff Girls–bright-colored, big-eyed preadolescent superhero stars of their own action-packed series on the Cartoon Network.  The car you see here today might well be the number-one candidate for Official Car of the Powerpuff Girls.

The name may be familiar.  Toyota built MR2s from 1985 to 1995.  The MR2 Spyder has come back for one reason and one reason only; to to battle with the current king of the affordable roadsters, the Mazda Miata.  Retaining its mid-engined layout and losing its roof, the resurrected MR2 Spyder hopes to succeed on a playground where many others have failed.  Toyota had automotive play in mind when the MR2 Spyder was designed, too.  The console is easily removable to lighten the car for track use.  Body panels are also easily removable, for easy customization.  And, of course, the mid-engined layout is favored by amateur and professional racers alike for its superior handling characteristics.

It certainly looks like a perky superhero’s car.  Big round headlight and taillight pods give the MR2 Spyder a pleasantly cartoonish look, reminiscent of a mid-Fifties Porsche, to those who’ve met one.  Still, it’s no creampuff–the car’s curves are hard-edged, giving it a more aggressive look than the curvy Miata.  Side vents allow the mid-mounted engine to breathe.  Of course, it’s available in seven bright, cheerful colors.  The standard 15″ wheels are a nice design, but the MR2 Spyder high, vertical sides make them look small.  It’s definitely not boring.  During our test drive, we pulled into a Texaco to fuel up and were told, “You’ve got a beautiful car,” by the cashier–who had just watched the customer before us leave in a Porsche Boxster.

It’s a good thing the Powerpuff Girls don’t have any accessories or equipment to take into battle, because they won’t be carrying much of anything in the MR2 Spyder.  A stylish, characterful interior is pleasing to the eye and hands, but nearly devoid of cargo cubbies or useful storage space.  Toyota has gone for style over substance in a big way.  That’s not a completely bad thing.  The MR2 Spyder’s interior is a riot of silver on black, with the same comfortable three-spoke steering wheel found in the Toyota Celica.  Silver roll-bar style accents adorn the doors.  Although there isn’t much space for their stuff, room for two passengers is ample thanks to a mostly flat floor. The seats are comfortable, and the door sills are higher than a Miata’s for increased side-impact protection. Elbow space is generous–a ride in a Miata’s narrow cabin will illustrate the need for it amply.  The MR2 Spyder’s is roomy enough to leap into, should a superhero-type emergency preclude opening the doors.

The top is a Z-folding design which collapses into a shallow well behind the seatsIt’s easy enough to drop and raise the top without a power assist, but it lacks the Miata’s “pop-it-and-throw-it-back” ability.  On the other hand, it latches itself down, so there’s no need for a tonneau cover, a much neater design than the Miata’s.

Backing up that Marvel Comics face are road manners that would do any faithful sidekick proud.  With 138 horsepower propelling a 2195-lb car, the MR2 Spyder doesn’t lack in the get-up-and-go department.  Like its big brother the Celica, with whom it shares its 1.8 liter engine, the MR2 Spyder is an aggressive car on the road.  It’s eager to shoot through gaps in traffic and turn every commute into an adventure.  A Miata has the same playful feel, but is happier to play at lower speeds.  Luckily, superheroes don’t need to worry about speeding tickets, either.

Handling is as impressive as the mid-engine layout promises.  Mid-engined cars enjoy a substantial handling advantage over cars with front or rear engine placements, thanks to phenomenal balance.   MacPherson struts at all four corners of a fully independent suspension don’t hurt either.  The MR2 Spyder’s turn-in response is excellent, and the tail stays planted through the tightest, fastest turns.  On uneven pavement, the MR2 Spyder bobs and weaves like a boxer, but doesn’t lose stability the way that many sports cars do.  With four wheel disc brakes and standard ABS, it’s also easy to stop.  The MR2 Spyder’s small size makes it seem like a distilled car, with no extra additives or calories.

The “fat-free” approach applies to sales as well.  The MR2 Spyder comes in only one trim level, and the only factory option is a leather interior.  The base price of just over $23,000 includes a cassette/CD audio system, air conditioning, antilock brakes, and a folding wind deflector as standard equipment.

Has Toyota built a Miata-killer?  Depends on what you want to do with it.  The MR2 Spyder enjoys a performance and arguable appearance advantage, but the Miata is much more people-friendly, with space for doodads and a simpler top.  On the the other hand, you can’t run up to a Miata and jump over the doorsill to get in, which is half the fun of owning a convertible.  In the end, we think that an MR2 Spyder would be great to have along if you had to save the world before bedtime, like the Powerpuff Girls, but a Miata would be easier to live with.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder, which we tested.
Length:     153.0 in.
Height:        48.2 in.
Wheelbase:    96.5 in.
Curb weight:    2195 lb.
Cargo space:    1.9 cu. ft.
Base price:    $23,098
Price as tested: $23,583
Engine:     1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve four cylinder
Drivetrain:     five-speed manual, rear wheel drive
Horsepower:     138 @ 6400 rpm
Torque:     125 @ 4400 rpm
Est. mileage:    25/30

10/2010 update:  The MR2 Spyder started off good and evolved into an excellent little sportster.  See the comments for a list of upgrades to the later-generation models kindly provided by a knowledgeable MR2 Spyder owner.