Review written on 8/1964.
Competition in the Microcar segment has just gotten a little more heated. Donut has launched the Gray Squirrel R3. Is this Microcar enough to unseat the Chipmunk or will it be worse than the U2570. Don't worry! We have the answers.
The day started right when I was picked to drive the Donut Gray Squirrel R3 on the track. The Gray Squirrel R3 is a is pretty fast for a Microcar. Its 32 hp @ 3565RPMs 543 cc Radial3 engine response great and is the perfect size and power for this vehicle. It left a smile on my face when I was able to top it out at 84 mph. And then on the drag strip I was able to crank out a 35.630s 0 to 60 mph. Some may have their doubts, but the Donut Gray Squirrel R3 is a fantastic track Microcar. The Donut Gray Squirrel R3 handles smoothly and can really turn a corner for a Microcar. While it is certainly not a race car, it can handle any real world situation you throw at it.
While certainly does not have the best features or materials. The Donut Gray Squirrel R3 does provide the bare necessities required in a vehicle of this type. No more and no less. As well as it should. If you wanted to spend that extra bit you would of bought the better vehicle. Was Donut wise in this respect? Maybe, but we do think they should of offered at least a little more bang for the buck so to speak.
The cramped Donut Gray Squirrel R3 will leave your passengers knees permanently attached to their chest after you fold them up and slide them into that space they call a seat. The Gray Squirrel R3's tiny 12 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space leaves very little room for even this review!
The Donut Gray Squirrel R3 has just enough labor of love in it to make it better than most other vehicles. Even though it came off an assembly line you can tell that the employees at Donut love their job. This is reflected in the quality of material and workmanship used to finish the product.
The Donut Gray Squirrel R3 is easily one of the most dependable vehicles ever made, it is excellently designed, excellently produced. And with just a little TLC will last forever and a decade.
While the Donut Gray Squirrel R3 will not win any awards for its fuel consummation. Its 43.0 mpg is better than most vehicles in its class. This means more money in your wallet and a happier long term experience. Donut did a good job in this respect.
The extra effort from Donut to make the Gray Squirrel R3 feel safer pays off. The reinforced frame makes the vehicle much more impact resistant. Don't go driving into walls your self, just take our word for it.
I was happy with the time I spent in the Donut Gray Squirrel R3. This car is truly magnificent. I think future generations will look back at this vehicle and think, "I wish I owned one of these." It is absolutely one of the best Microcar you can buy. An instant classic that others in the segment will be compared to. I wish I could spend more time with the Gray Squirrel R3 but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.