Toyota MR2 (00-06)
Summary
It was back-to-basics for the third generation Midship-Runabout two-seater (MR-2). It’s loads of fun, with a lightweight body, free-revving responsive engines and a low-slung driving position. It’s a proper little sportscar, but this is strictly a plaything – there’s very little luggage space. With the hood up there’s plenty of wind noise, so keep it down unless it’s raining hard as the heater’s great and buffeting is minimal even at motorway speeds.
Performance
It is a 1.8 with 138bhp, which hardly seems adequate these days but it’s enough to make the MR-2 plenty quick enough. To get the maximum performance, you have to work the engine and gearbox – proper sportscar stuff.
Comfort
A delight to drive with the roof down (especially on those sunny days). Happy to cruise down country roads; adequate head and legroom. Seats are body-hugging and very comfortable. However, you may have to sit with bags between your feet and luggage on your lap will spoil the experience.
Practicality
There is the tiniest of storage areas in the nose and a locker behind the seats. They’re difficult to access (you have to fold the seats forward), but are lockable and will just about hold a week’s shopping for two. There’s a dash-top box big enough for a stash of CDs, and a small glovebox. Most drivers will find themselves using the passenger seat for storage room
Equipment
It has all the essential equipment although air-con is optional. Optional sports accessories like a chromed roll bar are available as are a hard-top and a steering-wheel paddle sequential gearchange system.
Behind the wheel
A suitably sporty looking interior with supportive seats and a slick gearchange. Seating position is very low to the ground adding to the sensation of speed. Interior is functional-looking, with everything within easy reach. Stereo buttons are chunky, which makes changing stations on the move easy. Rearward visibility can be a bit restricted with the roof up, but is obviously excellent when it’s down.
Safety
Twin airbags and very good brakes but no side airbags or traction control. If you’re tempted to ask your passenger to sit with luggage on their lap, think again. There’s no way to turn off the passenger airbag.
Reliability
Problems with this Toyota are typically few and far between but that’s no reason to overlook the servicing and check the oil if you use it hard. Interior feels very well screwed together.
Car check problem points
Body: Check for crash damage and loose or rattly bodywork.
Engine/Gearbox: Avoid hard-driven examples.
Other: Poor fitting glove box, loose interior trim, poor speakers.
from: http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/toyota/mr2-2000.aspx?page=4
Toyota Celica Coupé (99-06)
Summary
This is the seventh incarnation of the Toyota Celica. It’s been around since 1999, but the sharp, aggressive shape still looks fresh, a testament to how good a design it was. This model was never developed with rallying in mind, so there is no four-wheel-drive turbocharged version. But that doesn’t make it a wimp. It still manages to deliver a decent driving experience and Toyota’s reputation for reliability is a significant draw for most customers. Easy to overlook, with RX-8, Crossfire and 350Z hogging all the recent coupé limelight but Celica is still a nice car. Recent GT model wears a bodykit worthy of The Fast and the Furious.
Performance
The 1.8 is available in two forms: 140 and 189bhp. It’s a Variable Valve Timing Intelligent (VVT-i) engine and needs to be revved hard to get the most from it. The 140bhp version is tepid, but still has enough power to provide fun. The 189bhp makes Celica a genuine sports coupé but only really delivers strong performance in the upper quarter of its rev range, when it suddenly starts pulling hard. The six-speed gearbox is notchy and needs precision for quick changes.
Handling
The Celica is now only available with front-wheel drive. The ride is pleasingly compliant, but not at the expense of dynamism. It tackles corners with enthusiasm and the steering is quick to respond but not particularly communicative. Celica is happy enough on the motorway, too. This is a competent driving set-up, but not one that particularly delivers driving pleasure to the degree that say little brother MR-2 does A traction control system that beeps a warning to you if you use it suggests this isn’t a car designed to be pushed beyond it’s limits.
Comfort
Practicality
2010 Nissan 200SX Silvia: Turbocharged Rear-Wheel Drive Coupe
 2010 Nissan 200SX Silvia
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Tokyo, Japan — Fans of 4-cylinder performance cars right across the globe were dismayed when in late 2002 Nissan confirmed that it would cease producing the 200SX, otherwise known as the Silvia.
But that dismay could turn to joy if the Japanese motoring media are on the money.
One Japanese magazine has released its own computer generated images that bookend an article about the 2010 model Nissan 200SX/Silvia, which would rival Hyundai’s upcoming 2009 model Genesis Coupe, which we reported on last week and has the makings to be a massive hit.
But why did Nissan stop making what is still one of the best-looking Japanese sports coupes out there?
In 2002, Nissan cut the production of a number of vehicles as part of its restructure, which meant getting rid of its various different platforms – and included the S15 designated 200SX/Silvia.
For those who are unaware, the Nissan 200SX/Silvia was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, outputting anywhere between 147 and 180kW, and it was a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Around the turn of the century, 2000 to 2002, there were many Subaru WRX vs Nissan 200SX arguments, which gives you an idea of the performance the Nissan coupe was capable of delivering.
The Japanese press has been speculating about a Nissan 200SX/Silvia replacement for some time now, but the momentum seems to be building. At present Nissan has not confirmed that such a model would be released, but concept cars like the Foria concept coupe that Nissan released in 2005 suggest that a new compact sports coupe is still a consideration.
Another reason why the Japanese mags could be furiously speculating on the next generation hot four rear-wheel drive coupe is that the Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) and the new GT-R are selling like hotcakes.
Nissan’s reputation for building reliable, high performance sports cars are second to none in the Asian region and the FM platform that underpins the 350Z could be used as a building block for the new model.
Now that Hyundai is releasing its own 4-cylinder rear-wheel drive coupe in 2009, which is an odd-on favourite to make lots of money for the Korean car maker, perhaps Nissan will decide that the market is again ready for a budget sports car?
from: http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/2010-nissan-200-sx-silvia.htm
HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK RANGE
For The Civic is a great looking small family car thanks to its sharp looks inside and out. It’s also blessed with superb build quality and a great drive, while the boot is one of the largest in its class.
Against The coupe-esque styling of the Civic impacts on rear headroom, so adults will find it cramped in the back, and visibility is not great for the driver. The firm ride jiggles at all speeds.
What Car? says
Honda’s Civic appeals on many levels for its looks and style, quality and driving fun, but the restricted rear seat space and too firm ride holds it back from being a rival to the best of the small family class.
What does it cost?
- Price
- £14,597 – £20,730
- Target Price
- £13,608 – £19,919
- Fuel per 100 miles
- £8 – £15
- CO2
- 135 – 215 g/km
- Tax band
- E – K
For The Civic is a great looking small family car thanks to its sharp looks inside and out. It’s also blessed with superb build quality and a great drive, while the boot is one of the largest in its class.
Against The coupe-esque styling of the Civic impacts on rear headroom, so adults will find it cramped in the back, and visibility is not great for the driver. The firm ride jiggles at all speeds.
What Car? says
Honda’s Civic appeals on many levels for its looks and style, quality and driving fun, but the restricted rear seat space and too firm ride holds it back from being a rival to the best of the small family class.
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The 1.8-litre petrol engine is responsive and eager to rev, providing strong performance and plentiful pulling power. The 2.2-litre diesel has lots of grunt, too, but its power arrives in a rather sudden mid-range surge. Even the entry-level 82bhp 1.4-litre petrol offers decent performance, as long as you’re prepared to work it hard.”’
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Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 starsThe Civic handles well enough, but it’s not as composed or grippy as the best cars in this class. The steering responds quickly and is usefully light around town, but it’s frustratingly short on feel at higher speed. The suspension thuds rather noisily over patchy urban roads, but it’s settled at motorway speed.
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Refinement
3 out of 5 starsThe Civic isn’t as quiet as the most refined cars, but it’s a decent cruiser, with little wind noise intruding at speed. There is some road noise over poor surfaces, however, and the suspension clunks over bumps around town. The petrol engines are smooth and quiet; the diesel wheezes and whistles when worked, but it’s easier on the ear than many rivals.
from: http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/honda/civic-hatchback/full-review/25512-5
