Third-generation MR2 sticks to original formula

Toyota's third-generation MR2 Spyder might be all-new but it remains faithful to the original mid-engine, rear drive design of the 1980s.

Toyota decided right from the start to continue with the original MR2 objective and build a car that was

Lightweight, minimalist and with a good power to weight ratio.

Responsive to driver input and rewarding to drive.

Mid-engined, with no handling vices to catch the unwary.

The MR2 was launched in Palmerston North on Monday, priced at $48,000. Bruce Buckland, project chief for the two-seater, said it had been designed "to put a smile on its driver's face every time he or she turns the ignition key."

The MR2 Spyder is powered by the European variant of the 1.8-litre Celica engine. The high-revving four-cylinder has variable valve timing but does not have variable valve lift like the Celica powerplant.

It delivers 103kW of power at 6400rpm and 170Nm of torque at 4400rpm, which gives the MR2 a power-to-weight ratio of 102kW/tonne. As a comparison, the previous MR2 had a power-to-weight ratio of 97kW/tonne.

The new engine is a matched to a five-speed manual transmission with sequential shift. Gears can be changed using either the short-throw gear lever or with the E-shift buttons located on the front and back of the steering wheel.

The sequential-change manual transmission is designed to provide a quick-response gearshift coupled with low fuel consumption.

The accelerator pedal and gear-shift lever are both fly-by-wire and the clutch operation is automated so there are only two pedals.

Although this system allows gear changes without lifting of the throttle, the smoothest changes are achieved by momentarily feathering the accelerator pedal. The only other fully automated function is when the vehicle speed falls below 5km/h and the gearbox shifts to first.

The number of turns lock-to-lock is just 2.66 - compared with 3.1 in the superseded MR2.

The convertible top can be opened or closed in less than 60 seconds and acts as its own tonneau cover when the roof is lowered.

The design also includes a wind deflector located just behind the seats to reduce turbulence around the occupants' heads when the top is down. This is made of transparent acrylic material to ensure good rear visibility.

Special attention has been paid to body rigidity and safety in the new MR2 design, says Toyota. The body platform contributes to improved passive safety and handling, and reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

The car surpasses the latest Australian Design Rule requirements and the European 40 per cent offset deformable barrier test at 60km/h, which is also higher than the regulations require.

Special design measures have been adopted to maximise frontal, side and rear impact protection while achieving an overall weight saving of 275kg compared with the superseded model.

Special attention was also paid to the seats, said Buckland. "The hip point has been lowered compared with the superseded MR2 to provide a more sporty feel, and seat cushion firmness and damping have been increased to support the pelvis and thighs to maximise grip."