IN THIS FEATURE The 'oh-my-god' threshold Almost comically aggressive The speedy and sensational S-Tune "Somebody's nicked the gear knob" Back to reality

Nissan UK are keen to promote NISMO - think of it as a version of BMW's M-sport or Merc's AMG - to a British audience. Buyers can already specify NISMO 19-inch wheels and an "aero" package from UK dealers, but the S-Tune goes much, much further.

To begin with, the engine's output has been bumped up to a shade under 300bhp. And the sports exhaust has been tuned to deliver a noise of titanic proportion, which is hugely amusing should you find yourself in a tunnel. The clutch, suspension and cooling system have also been uprated and the interior gains racily supportive, lightweight seats trimmed in Alcantara.

The front-end has been re-worked for the S-tune

Visually, the S-Tune also gains a nutty touring car-inspired rear wing and an almost comically aggressive front and rear-end treatment. And the pearlescent paint and NISMO decals remove any doubt about the car's intent.