It could happen. I have 138bhp on tap, a limited slip diff, six gears, quick steering and rear-wheel drive. It'll be rude not to get the front tucked in and back off sharply to unstick the rear into a favourite corner or two. Hard on the power, steer into the slide, lay down two black lines on the tarmac... Well, you can't blame me for dreaming about those idyllic summer moments while we're in the midst of a British winter.

Being a sensible chap and still very much a rear- drive novice, I haven't dared try out my fantasy just yet. Instead I've been enjoying the delicate information fed through the light, feelsome steering and chassis. Some describe the MR2 as a poor man's Boxster; I like to think of it as its junior.

We've been late in introducing our very yellow new arrival on the fleet. It's been with us for a couple of months and I reckon it's a bit of a bargain after the ΂£23K Celica it replaces. The base price is a piffling ΂£16,995! Even with optional leather seats (΂£500) and air-con (΂£900, very useful in demisting the windscreen), the MR2 still comes in at a reasonable ΂£18,395.

The engine was very tight when it arrived, with only 224 miles on the clock. Although no running-in procedure was stipulated, I still treated it gently for the first 800 miles or so until the mechanicals smoothed out. The engine now feels nicely loosened up after 3500 miles, and the fidgety ride is softening out as the miles pile on. I reckon this revised MR2 is more confidence-inspiring to drive than the old model, but there's still plenty to learn.

The MR2's lack of stowage hasn't been a problem when travelling solo, though a weekend away with the Missus meant her handbags in the footwell, two rucksacks stuffed into the cubbyhole, and winter coats tucked behind the seats. There is an extra compartment up front, but it's not fully waterproof. Otherwise, the MR2 is surprisingly quiet, comfy (from the driver's seat anyway) and refined.

If fitting everything in for a weekend away was a hassle, how did it cope with the prezzies and luggage for a long Christmas break? Truth is, the little roadster was tucked up in the garage while I spent the festive period in the marvellous SEAT Leon Cupra. No power-slides, but a great boot.