WITH the third generation MR2 Toyota has significantly changed the direction of its small sports car. Yes, it remains a two-seater with mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, but the MR2 Spyder is the company's first car designed from the outset as a convertible and the first Toyota with a sequential shift semi-manual transmission. Significantly lighter and cheaper than its predecessor, the Spyder offers real competition to the iconic Mazda MX-5 drop-top.