I don't know if it's my enthusiastic gear-changing, but the gearknob paint covering is wearing badly and looks a bit tatty. I have just had an email from a reader and fellow Cupra R driver experiencing exactly the same fault. It's only a problem aesthetically, but certainly out of kilter with the excellent build quality of the rest of the package.

In fact the Leon has has been given the thumbs-up all round from family and friends who have travelled in it. Comments have included: 'Feels well built', 'well designed', and 'quick, isn't it'.

And I'm still having bags of fun as the Leon loosens up and appears to be getting even quicker. To sum up, I get in, I drive, I smile.