The MR2 isn't much talked about here (for obvious reasons) but I thought I'd mention I drove one today. Mom's looking for something a little more sporty, and wanted my opinion. We trest drove an '03 model with with a six-speed sequential manual gearbox. It's not a Tiptronic/Sportshift thing that's really an automatic. It's a true computer controlled clutch based system. First of all the MR2 is a fun little car - decent acceleration, good cornering, and a great road feel. It helps that the SMG doesn't rob the car of any power or responsiveness like a slushbox does. Downshifts are great - the computer blips the throttle perfectly, so there is barely any jarring of the car. Upshifts are rather slow, though. Having only 50 miles, I didn't push the car so I don't know if it has different shift programs based on how you drive it, but going up in gears takes a long time - long enough to jerk your head forward when the acceleration stops for the gear change. Letting off the throttle some as you hit to button to shift, much like you would in a regular transmissioned car, helped smooth things out a lot. The big shocker? The damn car stickers for $27k! That's insane. More than a base 350Z (assuming you can get one for sticker.)

Overall I liked the concept, and I'd be very interested if Honda developed a high-performance, Ferrari 360 F1 style paddle-shift mechanism for the S2000.

 

Those paddle shifters are the new trend nowadays, I know the Honda Jazz has it now also. I drove the Maserati Paddle shift and I would love to have that in the S

 

Alas, the slow upshift is the only mode. The car's SMT has been dinged in quite a few reviews for this. As to the $27K, guess it's the price you pay for a mid-engine, convertible sold in very limited numbers. Okay, okay, I also think it is too expensive. But take it for what little it is worth as I haven't driven one.

 

As far as performance goes, the SMG is slower than a good driver (read: quick shifter) in a MT version. But for routine driving, the SMG would probably be pretty nice. After seeing a fellow hang with several Z06s in a mostly stock MR2 (non SMG), I'm convinced it may be a pretty good platform. Ok, it's kinda ugly, and won't win any drag races, but still a fun little car.