MR2

Three generations of MR2 have brought us three completely different sports cars.  Toyota longevity means that there are still many examples of Mk1s and Mk2s on our roads.

Add to this the growing number of new Roadsters (or Spyders) and the MR2 is becoming a very popular car.  Roadsters are already available with sequential gearboxes and we wait to see whether it will get the VVTL-i treatment to give it the muscle to compete with the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT 225.

Ask Jeeves about Toyota MR2
 
 

Corolla

Carolla is one of the biggest selling cars in the world ever.  Normally known for its amazing build quality and reliability, Corollas are now becoming valued for their driving dynamics.  Toyota's 1997 decision to drop the Celica as the WRC platform and use the Corolla instead was clearly a plan to promote the Corolla and to change its image.  Toyota were clearly concerned that the Golf and cars like it were winning the hot hatch battle and they knew that the Corolla's nimble size would make a great rally car. Despite this marketing plan, the vast majority of Corollas are still purchased as reliable A to B transport, and only a few aficionados see the full potential of this superb hatch.
 

Ask Jeeves about Toyota World Rally Car (WRC)  

 

Matrix

Recently released in the USA, Matrix is a new style of vehicle that will give Toyota an edge over the competition.  Matrix is larger than your normal hot hatch, but isn't quite mini-MPV.  What will set it apart from the rest is that it will boast the stunning VVTL-i engine from the Celica 190.  Matrix will be marketed as a sports vehicle with a difference.  There must be millions out there who want MR2 or Celica performance but who need the space that Matrix will provide.  We predict that Matrix will be snapped up by people with bigger families, and by businesses who want something a little bit more exciting than an Escort van.

Ask Jeeves about Toyota Variable Valve Timing and Lift  

 

Supra

What hasn't already been said about the Toyota supercar? Sadly, Supra is no longer with us, having been relegated to history by new emission and fuel economy laws which prohibit fuel drinking, twin turbo giants like the Supra.  We predict that one day Toyota will invest the necessary cash to bring back its flagship model;  Lexus are releasing a big coupe soon and this could easily be the basis for the new Supra especially as earlier models shared their 300bhp twin turbo engines with the Lexus Soarer.

Ask Jeeves about the Toyota Supra