Since the MX5’s launch in 1990 – marking the rebirth of the classic open roadster – its success urged other makers to follow suit. Now, cars like the Lotus Elise, BMW Z3, MGF and the left-hand-drive-only Fiat Barchetta (plus a sporty little number yet to come from Vauxhall) are seeking to emulate the MX5’s success. Toyota played little part in this revival, however. Its second-generation MR2 fixed-head coupé sold well enough to begin with, but since then, sales of the company’s two-seater have progressively ebbed away. Now, the MR2 is back with a bang. On sale from early April (in time for some seasonal showers!) the third-generation MR2 abandons its forerunners’ fixed-head coupé format to offer genuine top-down motoring. The head-turning midship runabout two-seater (hence the MR2 name) marks a back-to-basics approach for Toyota, with complexity, bulk and weight all shed compared with its predecessor, in pursuit of enhanced pace, agility and, yes … fun.