The downside was that even with 190bhp on tap overtaking required forward planning due to the screaming VVTL-i engine's lowly 133lbft of torque. The unit doesn't get into its stride until 50mph in 2nd, though once it's there you're past in a flash! Some of my colleagues reckoned the engine's peakiness made it tiresome at times and I kind of agree with them up to a point... but then they have the lousy A14 to deal with every morning.

To be honest it wasn't lust at first sight with the Celica. My first impression was that it didn't have the 'X-factor'. The plasticky grey interior did it no favours, though it was Top Trumps in the oddment storage stakes and the driving position was absolutely spot-on. How annoying that the seat position was lost every time it was tilted forward!

The boot proved deceptively useful, too, one time swallowing a week's camping gear and some smart clothes for a mate's wedding bash. An off-side rear puncture was quickly fixed by Ashburton Tyres of Ashburton, who swapped the wheel for the full-size spare, thus the trip wasn't affected by a search for a new tyre or a 50mph speed limit imposed by a get-you-home space-saver. The Celica was surprisingly practical in many ways.

On country roads the superb, confidence-inspiring driving position was a perfect partner for the fantastically capable chassis. Not too different to an Impreza with that light tippy-toe feeling and a grippy, confident, adjustable feel. Factor in light, responsive, feelsome and quick steering, and in my book you have one of the best front-wheel- drive cars. A blat across country could be taken with confidence, with no worries about bottoming out or a mid-corner bump or two upsetting the balance. The ride was fantastic, although passengers didn't enjoy a good blat as much as I did. Must have been the race-car soundtrack and the constant gearchanges needed to keep the
T-Sport singing.

The buzzy engine wasn't the best thing for a motorway journey, as a four-hour drive listening to the stereo cranked up above the drone of the engine made your ears ring, while the initially comfortable seats made your bum very numb.

But the T-Sport was never boring and always felt special as a driver's car. Most cars seemed mundane after the rev-happy and aggressive-sounding Celica, which proved 100 per cent reliable and didn't use a drop of oil. Sure, it's hard work to get the best out of the manic motor, but if you're in the mood it's great fun and the chassis is its match. Make no mistake, this is a hardcore coupe. If you like the sound of that you'll be happy to know that the new T-Sport with Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist and a subtle facelift is now available for a wallet-friendly ΂£20,995.