This month's adventure to the South of France (to compare the VXT with the new Elise) started as it was going to continue, with a trip to the petrol station. So before even leaving Northamptonshire the first of 12 fuel fill-ups had taken place. However, they were not the bane of my journey - it was those bloody autoroute tolls! In the VXT it went like this: approach toll, undo seatbelt, open door while trying not to smack the edge of the very long door on the concrete kerbs, clamber over the wide sill, partially close the door so I could trot around the VX, squeeze past the passenger side, pay and then repeat the whole process again in reverse - 18 times!

The long journey down also provided conclusive proof that the VXT isn't a relaxing place to be. The wind noise is an issue from anything upwards of 60mph but above 90mph it gets very uncomfortable. The plus-side of this racket is that you can't hear the heater blower, which was on full chat for the whole journey. To say the heater isn't very good is an understatement. Absolutely nothing comes out of the footwell vents and only a tepid breeze emits from the dash vents - I've been warmer in a 340R!

This caused a problem since much of northern France was covered in snow. Fortunately by the time I reached Lyon the white stuff had cleared, leaving me with a decision: continue on the motorways to Nice or head up into the Alps. Easy one: Alps it was.

I really do wish that sometimes I would use my brain. As I approached Grenoble, the mountains in the distance were covered in low cloud. Joining the N85 to begin the ascent it all seemed such a good idea, but within minutes visibility reduced dramatically - and before long I found myself in deep snow, and it was pretty obvious the VX wasn't going to get through. The snowplough drivers found the sight of a stupid Brit in a lightweight sports car, without studded winter tyres, in the Alps, highly amusing for some reason.

The sheepish journey back down the hill to Grenoble highlighted another reason why this car is not meant for such a journey: the ABS was on constantly. For some reason, when the ABS operates the pedal feel disappears, as does any meaningful retardation!

A visit to the jet wash to get the VXT all pretty for its date resulted in an unintentional soaking for the interior thanks to a passenger-side leak, but these dramas were momentarily forgotten when I woke up the following morning to the sight of clear blue skies over Nice. And for a few blissful hours it all seemed worth it, as I was reminded just what great cars the VX and Elise really are. Too soon I was back in the VXT for a two-day slog back to Blighty. Traffic jams, rain, more tolls (Dartford) and yet another fuel stop before finally reaching Evo Towers. South of France in a VX or Elise? I think I might be busy next time...