Toyota MR2

The final MR-S uses a 1.8L 1ZZ-FE four-cylinder engine producing 140 PS and 171 Nm. The lightweight approximately 1,010kg chassis makes the car feel considerably quicker than the numbers suggest. 0–100 km/h takes roughly 8 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The car uses ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear.

A healthy MR-S can realistically return around 9–11 km/L in city driving, 13–15 km/L on highways and 11–13 km/L combined in Bangladesh. Its light weight helps fuel economy considerably, although aggressive driving can quickly reduce it. Toyota's Japanese test figures were substantially higher than what should be expected in Dhaka traffic.

The final ZZW30 was sold as MR-S, V Edition and S Edition, with manual and sequential 6-speed transmissions in the later Japanese range. Toyota's catalogue confirms the 2005–2007 versions used the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE with 6-speed manual or sequential transmission.

For Bangladesh, a stock 6-speed manual car with clean history is particularly attractive because it is mechanically simpler than the sequential version.

It can be driven in Bangladesh, but it is not an ideal rough-road vehicle.

The approximately 135 mm ground clearance means large speed breakers, potholes and broken roads require extreme care. The car is much better suited to smooth urban roads and highways. The mid-engine layout provides excellent balance, but the low seating position and tiny body make it less practical around buses, CNGs and rough Dhaka roads.

It is enjoyable in city driving when the roads are reasonably smooth. The compact 3.895-metre length and 5.0-metre turning radius make the MR-S surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and park.

However, visibility, low ground clearance, only two seats and limited luggage space make it considerably less practical than a normal Toyota sedan. In Dhaka, it works best as a second or enthusiast car rather than a family daily driver.

There is no reliable Bangladesh-wide maintenance average because MR-S ownership is extremely uncommon. Routine servicing can be relatively inexpensive because the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine shares components with other Toyota models, but specialist body, soft-top, suspension and MR-specific components can be harder to source.

Owners should maintain a repair reserve of approximately Tk30,000–60,000 per year, excluding major restoration, tyres and bodywork.

Inspect the 1ZZ-FE engine, cooling system, gearbox, clutch, suspension, steering, brakes, chassis and soft-top roof.

For a convertible MR-S, the roof deserves special attention. Check for leaks, damaged fabric, broken mechanisms and water entering the cabin.

Also inspect the underbody for accident damage and corrosion. Check whether the car is heavily modified, particularly suspension, wheels, engine management and exhaust systems. A stock car with documented maintenance is preferable.

The biggest disadvantages are two-seat capacity, tiny luggage space, low ground clearance and limited modern safety equipment.

It is also not particularly practical for Bangladesh family use. The convertible roof requires maintenance, and finding MR-specific body and interior parts can take longer than sourcing parts for mainstream Toyota models.

A heavily modified MR2 can be especially difficult and expensive to restore.

The MR2 makes sense if you want a rare Japanese mid-engine sports car rather than a practical family Toyota.

It is lightweight, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated and genuinely entertaining. But it sacrifices rear seats, luggage space, ground clearance and modern technology.

For someone looking for a fun weekend car or enthusiast project, a clean ZZW30 can be very interesting. For one-car ownership in Bangladesh, an ordinary Toyota sedan is considerably more practical.