It not only doesn't lug, but it moves away smartly. Up a hill you'll need to go down a cog or two for some real thrust, but 5th will do just fine cruising up hill. What's even better is I haven't got to the good stuff yet. Making trips to the gas station will be less expensive than most other cars. In testing with plenty of time spent with the tach between 5,000 and the rev limiter, the MR2 returned 28 mpg in a mix of freeway and El Dorado County driving.
Sports cars are about top down motoring in the twisties.
Blasting from apex to apex. Having the ability to see everything without obstruction. The MR2 is about as close to a four-wheel motorcycle as you can get. And since the government hasn't required helmets yet, you can feel the wind in your hair. But not as much as some other cars.