News In Brief

2003 MODEL MR2 ROADSTER AND TWO NEW COROLLA MODELS

MR2 Roadster – Key Points

• 2003 model MR2 Roadster available from 1 November, prices realigned to £16,995 for MR2 Roadster and £18,495 for MR2 SMT derivative
• MR2 Roadster now available with six speed gearbox on both manual and SMT (Sequential Manual Transmission)
• Larger tyres now fitted on 16-inch wheels at the rear (15-inch at the front)
• Restyled headlamps and rear lamps
• Updated interior trim and instrument controls
• Two new colours for 2003: Sable (metallic) and Island Green (metallic)

Toyota has improved the MR2 Roadster for 2003 with additional features that, among others, enhance both driving pleasure and safety, along with a reduced on-the-road price.

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRC (Traction Control) and BA (Brake Assist) are now available as standard on the MR2 Roadster with SMT. These active safety systems provide a wider safety margin without diluting MR2 Roadster’s qualities as a great handling car.

The already familiar manual and Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT) gearboxes are now six-speed, dramatically improving the MR2 Roadster’s mid-range acceleration and providing an even more involving drive. SMT allows the driver to either perform a quick gear change by using the steering wheel mounted buttons or the conventional gearlever.

To further improve the MR2 Roadster’s outstanding handling and stability, the suspension, steering, tyres and wheels have been honed.

Larger tyres are now fitted on 16-inch wheels at the rear (15-inch at the front). The use of needle bearings in the steering shaft also improves response and steering feel by reducing friction.

The suspension offers a firm, but comfortable ride that keeps the car stable and true. Stylish, alloy wheels are standard equipment with 185/55R15 tyres at the front and 215/45 section tyres on 16-inch wheels at the rear. A limited slip differential for improved traction and sporting handling is also standard.

The switch layout of the instrument panel has also been improved, with redesigned heater controls, while the graphics on the main instruments are clearer to read and the edged letters give a sportier look.

TWO NEW COROLLAS

Two new Corolla models have also been added to the range – the 1.8-litre 189bhp Corolla T Sport with VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent with Lift) is now available as a five door for £15,995 – specification is identical to the three door model except for the addition of electric rear windows.

Corolla T Sport accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds and is the third Toyota model to carry the T Sport badge. It has uprated suspension, brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, unique interior trim and red optitron instruments. Despite the high performance of the T Sport it will return 34.0mpg on the combined fuel cycle and has an emissions figure of 198g/km.

Also added to the range is the T3 three-door model with 89bhp 2.0-litre D-4D engine. This model is priced at £13,295 and is equipped with air conditioning, remote central double locking and four airbags as standard. The 89bhp D-4D engine returns 49.6mpg on the combined fuel cycle, has a low emissions figure of 153g/km yet can still accelerate from

0-62mph in 12.6 seconds.

ENDS