Went for a test drive of a 2001 y reg MR-2 today.

I am wondering if there was something wrong with it as i was totally underwhelmed by the whole experience.

I know that someone on here has one so if anyone can tell me what they are like to drive so i can compare my experience i would appreciate it.

As for the one i had a go in, firstly it seemed really gutless. Even when i had the rev counter wound all the way round. It seemed to take for ever to get there too.

When travelling at approx 60 mph in 5th gear i dropped it one gear then two gears and nothing.

Don't get me wrong i was not expecting a huge shove in the back like i get in my Octy but i expected a lot more. My old 1.6 Zetec Focus seemed quicker TBH

Also the handling felt sort of "wallowy" Ie. when travelling along a straght road and giving the steering a flick to the left then to the right the car felt quite unsteady and took a split second to settle.

Now my Octy felt more sure footed than the MR-2 and if they are all like this then i probably won't get one at all.

I hope i have just driven a rubbish one and am possiby going for a drive of another tomorrow.

Would appreciate any insights though.

Cheers

I think you may have driven a bit of a lemon there, TBH!

I test-drove one around the time I was looking at the MX-5. I liked the way it drove, but the MX was just a bit more practical (not saying much I know). Felt planted, and the steering was direct with reasonable feedback.

While not in the realms of turbo power delivery, it wound its way round the speedo respectably enough, unlike your experience it sounds.

If it's the sort of car you're looking for, I'd urge you to go try another example.

Chris GB on here has one, and has since fettled it a little. I'd perhaps drop him a PM. He's also got a few threads on here about it, IIRC.

Steve

Is that a Mk3 or a Mk2? I've been out in a Mk2 turbo (completely standard) and loved it. A decent shove when you put your foot down and lovely composed handling. That was in the wet too, so I imagine show it some dry roads and it'll fly...

Chris

Is that a Mk3 or a Mk2? I've been out in a Mk2 turbo (completely standard) and loved it. A decent shove when you put your foot down and lovely composed handling. That was in the wet too, so I imagine show it some dry roads and it'll fly...

Chris

It was a Mk3

Something must not be right with it. Having been in ChrisGB's MR2, it is actually quite a scary machine, and it does shift, and even better, the handling is up their with the best.

I'm with you Rob - I drove a new one at a main dealer (so not knackered) and was utterly underwhelmed too. :thumbdwn:

From owning one, you should feel the poke of this engine. Its a high revving engine and the power should be there from 3k RPM. It should knock you back dropping a gear.

The steering is point and go, this is the one thing i loved about mine the handling was superb.

Im not much of a racer in a motor, only straight line running, but if i can be of any help, please ask.

I drove another one today.

Well it was a MR-S

V-plate up for

Only had 67k miles though and i could get it for

Rob.

Be careful you're not fooled by the way the Octavia feels quick. When we still had ours I used to get in it having not driven it for weeks and b amazed by hos fast it felt when the trubo kicked in. I few head to heads against both the 350 and the RX proved that it wasnt as quick as it felt.

Power delivery is key to something feeling quick, a remapped Octavia isnt' exactly subtle in this department.

Rob.

Be careful you're not fooled by the way the Octavia feels quick. When we still had ours I used to get in it having not driven it for weeks and b amazed by hos fast it felt when the trubo kicked in. I few head to heads against both the 350 and the RX proved that it wasnt as quick as it felt.

Power delivery is key to something feeling quick, a remapped Octavia isnt' exactly subtle in this department.

Yeh ... I suspect the Fabia VRS suffers from this a little bit too!