The mods were chosen from Toyota's new range of sports accessories. We went for the 30mm lowering springs (΂£166.33), twin sports exhausts (΂£455.79) and rear spats (΂£114.95, all plus fitting). The chaps at Toyota added yellow/black leather seats and matching door panel inserts (΂£695).

I must confess I had my doubts about the trim, but it's certainly enlivened the rather bland-looking interior, while the nicely stitched and beautifully soft leather has given the MR2 a real quality feel. OK, so it's more hairdresser than racing driver, but I have to use this car every day and a set of fixed buckets were ruled out when I realised I would no longer be able to get at the extremely handy cubbies behind the seats (no boot, remember).

The twin exhausts have given the rather tame-sounding MR2 a more manly voice and some visual muscle along with the rear spats. I think it could do with being louder still, as the less than exciting engine note drowns the exhaust at high revs, just where you want to hear it. Especially since the 1.8 now seems to rev more keenly.

The freer breathing, combined with the revised springs, means you can really travel at a fair lick. The ride is firmer, as you'd expect, and it's given the MR2 a more planted feel, but it's by no means crashy: it just hugs the road better with less shivering over awkwardly spaced bumps.You can feel the chassis working, and the speed at which you feel comfortable has significantly increased, to the point where it's sometimes a surprise to see how big the numbers are on the speedo.

After a blat up the B660, Dickie confirms that the grip levels are a lot higher than before, which builds your confidence, as does the tighter body control over fast crests. There's less roll, and the front-end's extreme pointiness has been softened fractionally, which means the tail doesn't feel quite so eager to step out of line - a particularly good thing on unfamiliar roads.

Down-sides? The steering has lost a little delicacy and feedback, but I reckon that's a small price to pay for the way the MR2 now looks and feels. Just hope I never have to drive it with a hangover...