Niche one, Toyota

By DAVID LINKLATER

Kiwi roadster fans are itching to get their hands on the Toyota MR2, a back-to-basics niche sports car launched this year in Japan and Europe.

For once New Zealand isn't at the head of the export queue for a Japanese model, but Toyota New Zealand says this newcomer will be worth the wait.

It is company policy not to comment on future models but this week a spokesman told Saturday Drive that part of the delay in getting the mid-engined pocket-rocket on the local market is because of a specification requested by Toyota New Zealand: "We can't reveal the details but our MR2 will have a special feature that we believe is well worth waiting for."

Exactly how long that wait will be is not certain. It has been suggested that the MR2 will be here before the end of the year but Toyota says this will not necessarily be the case.

Pricing is not yet decided but Toyota will be keeping a close eye on movements at Mazda, whose rival MX-5 roadster costs $42,950.

The delay for Kiwi-spec cars has given the used import trade a head start. Toyota New Zealand says it knows of at least one new-shape MR2 on a dealer's yard in Auckland, with a price of $62,000. More will certainly follow.

The third-generation MR2 has a lot to live up to. The original 1984 model is credited with reviving an interest among carmakers to encourage affordable sports-car fun. The second-generation MR2 of 1990 was faster and more luxurious, but larger and less engaging to drive.

The third-generation MR2 is 50mm longer in the wheelbase but 295mm shorter and 200kg lighter. Every bit an enthusiast's machine, it is strictly a two-seater and has no dedicated luggage space in the back, offering only a small compartment under the bonnet and concealed cubbies behind the seats.

The new MR2 has been praised for its lively mid-mounted engine and nimble rear-drive handling. It uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, developing 103kW.

There has been speculation that Toyota will slot the 140kW version of the same engine that is now being used in the Celica into the MR2's agile frame. It is possible that this is the "secret" feature that Toyota plans for the New Zealand market, although it would be likely to push the price beyond that of the 106kW MX-5.

Despite the wait for the MR2, there will be no shortage of new models from Toyota over the next couple of months.

All-new replacements for the RAV4 off-roader and Previa MPV are imminent and the company is also set to battle Ford and Holden in the top-selling "big six" segment with the Australian-built Avalon.

The Avalon and Previa will be on sale next month and the RAV4 a little later.