Motive force derives from the beautifully smooth four-cylinder 4A-GE twin cam unit, which punches out a creditable 122bhp at 6600rpm. It’s the same engine found in both the front-wheel drive Corolla GT hatchback and rear-wheel drive Corolla GT coupe, but is here used in a transverse mid-engined application, mounted behind the cabin.Performance is enhanced by an acceptably good cd of 0.34, which is achieved through the use of carefully designed aerodynamic aids. Drive is via a five-speed transaxle, and with most of the weight close to the rear axle, the MR2 exhibits high levels of grip combined with truly confidence-inspiring handling.Subjectively, the MR2 doesn’t feel that quick, but it does surprisingly well considering the power output and test weight of 2699lb. First gear will see the car to 36mph, passing the 30mph increment along the way in only 2.5sec. Into second and the 60mph increment appears in 7.7sec, though we managed a best of 7.5sec once. The rev limiter cuts in at 7600rpm.As we have come to expect on fuel-injected engines, cold starting is always immediate at the first turn of the key. The automatic enrichment device, which controls fuel delivery till the warm-up period has passed, is faultless.
