tommallett

Modern tyres, clever differentials, trick gearboxes and brakes with huge stopping power can endow even the most ordinary driver with an impression of previously unheard of ability. This has very obvious benefits in everyday driving or on the track. Egos are massaged and follies disguised as moments of genius as the mannetino steps into the void where the right foot is left flailing.

We have also been wowed in recent years by the Nissan GT-R and its awesome talents. I remember pitching one into a sharp left-hander on a quick trip through the English Peak District, I realised I was going too quickly about 20 metres before I arrived. Such are the talents of the GT-R that I stamped on the brake pedal, turned in and nailed the throttle. I actually felt the torque transferring between the wheels, keeping the car nailed to the road. Afterwards, once I’d stopped and got my breath back, I wondered whether I had enjoyed the experience. In fact, I wondered whether it was actually me doing the driving at all.

Road driving has been increasingly enjoyable for me recently, slippery roads and hazards may mean we have to drive a lot slower but they also mean we have to hone our concentration, plan ahead and drive very smoothly to get the most out of the conditions at hand while remaining safe.

Small cars with low power and skinny tyres allow us to do this even on a warm sunny day, so while ultimate grip and a double-clutch gearbox may be lacking from a small hatchback or even Lotus Elise there is much pleasure to be gained from car positioning, smooth gear changes and the ability to carry speed through the twisty stuff. And this all with the knowledge that there isn’t much sitting between us and the front of the bonnet is a mistake is made.

So, what is the moral of the story? I think there is much to be excited about coming into the new decade, gone may be the days of glutinous fuel consumption, but on our ever more congested roads there is a lot of fun to be had from small efficient cars with good chassis balance.

What do you think?