It’s got the look of a sports car, but not the soul (it is based on the underpinnings of the 1995-2001 Lantra, after all). There’s a choice of a 112 bhp 1.6 or a 137 bhp 2.0. Both are willing and rev-happy units, although a bit coarse. The 1.6 gets to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds and onto 120 mph, while the 2.0 manages 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 125 mph.

The suspension is Porsche-developed and gives good grip and stable cornering, although there’s quite a lot of bodyroll. The limited F2 Evolution performs better, but still doesn’t offer the same drive as the Fiat Coupe, Ford Cougar or Peugeot 406. Gearchange is slack and brakes could have more bite.