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ZZW30R MR2 Spyder

WITH the third generation MR2, Toyota has significantly changed the direction of its small sports car.Yes, it remains a two-seater with mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, just like its disparate predecessors.But the MR2 Spyder is the company's first car designed from the outset as a convertible and the first Toyota with a sequential shift semi-manual transmission.Significantly lighter and cheaper than the last incarnation, the Spyder offered real competition to the iconic Mazda MX-5 drop-top. And it also payed lip service to the iconic 1980s original.How? Its engine shrunk in size, the price tag too, and even the standard equipment list was pared back. Even air-conditioning was an option!With peak power of 103kW, the Spyder's 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine was 10kW down on the contemporary (2001) Mazda MX-5, but at 975kg it was more than 100kg lighter and therefore right in the ballpark when it comes to power to weight.However Toyota alienated more customers than it lured with its controversial five-speed clutchless manual gearbox, with slow and clumsy downshifts, complicated shifting protocols and a surprising (for a Toyota) lack of durability.Many potential customers would have been happy to buy if there had been the six-speed manual gearbox option, as per abroad.Toyota also forgot to add any meaningful luggage space, falling well short of the MX-5’s meagre offerings here.But the manual roof was easy to use, the seating supportive, and the overall dynamic experience delightful – although care is needed on wet roads or when lifting off the throttle mid-corner if a snap-oversteer situation is to be avoided.

Terios Series II

A minor facelift hid a new motor in the MY01 Terios. The ageing 61kW HC-EJ powerplant gave way to the Toyota Echo/Daihatsu Sirion GTVi-derived 1.3-litre K3-VE four-cylinder unit, with power and torque output rising 2kW and 15Nm respectively.A tougher-looking Toyota Prado-like vertical grille, new bumpers and revised tail-lights and wheel covers were the most visible changes outside, while a CD player gave the game away inside.

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Lexus IS IS200 sedan

THE standard transmission in the IS200 is a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic is optional. The

Australian and international motorsport 200...

Planning to catch some motorsport action here or overseas in 2001? Here are dates you need to know:

Ford Festiva GLXi 5-dr hatch

THE WB Festiva was designed about a decade ago by Toshi Saito from Ford's Pacific Rim Design Centre

Chrysler Voyager SE

THE Voyager was launched in Australia in February, 1997, to do battle in the seven-seater class.This

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

THE Avalon's 230mm wide stereo head unit has larger buttons than the miniscule one found in the

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

AVALON was the first Toyota in Australia with side airbag availability, though the Conquest grade makes

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

TOYOTA claims revisions to the suspension provided an opportunity to improve the steering characteristics

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

AVALON offers 523 litres of luggage space, which is more than both Commodore (475) and Falcon (460).

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

A TRUE challenger for the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon had to happen sometime, and it makes sense

Toyota Avalon Conquest sedan

WHEN it comes to Toyota's large passenger cars, styling takes a back seat to other core values

Mitsubishi chases export growth

Up to 10,000 Magnas could be sold in the Middle East by 2003

Lexus GS300 refined

Mid-size Lexus now has shift buttons on the steering wheel and safety improvements

ZZW30R MR2 Spyder

Supercharged Lexus leads performance charge

Prestige and luxury car maker Lexus will bolster its range with four new models toward the end of 2001 as it targets increased sales

Happy X-Trails for Nissan

Compact four-wheel drive X-Trail will be launched next year but Nissan will not be bringing the Micra or 1.6-litre Pulsar hatch to Australia

GST price cuts will be wiped out, says Toyo...

The depreciation of the Australian dollar will force car companies to increase prices in the new year, says Toyota Australia vice-president John Conomos

Sydney show: Laser lights the way for Ford

The limited edition Laser R is Ford's first step in bringing the Laser back into the spotlight

Souped-up Sirion has plenty of zip

Daihatsu has pulled the wraps off a budget-priced hatchback with zippy performance

Santa claws at Honda CR-V

Hyundai takes aim at Honda's CR-V with its new Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai's first 4WD wagon had reasonable space and a gutsy V6 engine on its side with its battle against the all-conquering Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Tacuma tackles mini movers

Daewoo moves into the lifestyle/MPV market with the stylish Tacuma

YRV set to lead Daihatsu charge

Daihatsu's YRV, which promises generous interior space within compact dimensions, is set to be sold in Australia next year

LandCruiser gets turbo power

The updated LandCruiser line-up is spearheaded by new turbo-diesel variants.

Toyota sticks to proven formula

Toyota's Camry line-up has received its first update since the car was launched in August, 1997

Terios Series II

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