New features include Arcade mode, with direct head-to-head competition against AI drivers or another player, improved graphics with more detailed vehicle models and interiors, and a cleaner and more minimalist menu system, which would be retained for the rest of the series until the release of Dirt 2 in 2009.

[5][6][7] Doug Trueman of NextGen called the latter console version "A superb racer that has depth, a solid framerate, and high replay value.

"[24] In Japan, where the same console version was ported and published by Spike under the name Colin McRae the Rally 2 on 5 October 2000, Famitsu gave it a score of 31 out of 40.

[27] Edge gave the PlayStation version a score of eight out of ten, saying, "Colin McRae Rally 2.0 will maintain a hold over any truly committed race fan for a long time.

"[31] Later, however, Louis Bedigian gave the Game Boy Advance version seven out of ten, saying that it was "worth a rental for racing fans.