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

And even in the middle of monsoon conditions, the S-Tune was sensational. Start with a tiny stub of a gearlever - "somebody's nicked the gear knob" - operating a six-speed box, controlling a gearbox that felt so mechanically precise and direct that you'd shift just for the pleasure of it.

Add to that an engine with stupendous throttle response, coupled with urge that felt relentless, pretty much regardless of gear and engine speed. Garnish with an exhaust note containing a bass note to shame a dub sound system and you've got the full S-Tune experience.

The S2 in action in Japan

But here's the thing. The measure of a truly well-sorted chassis/engine combo is just how hard you're happy to push it in marginal conditions. Here, the S-Tune inspires huge confidence, feeding back precise information about available grip through meatily weighted (slightly too meaty at low speed) steering, tying down the body with extra-large anti-roll bars and giving progressive throttle response for confident power-out-of-the-corner moments. For enthusiast drivers, this really is a terrific package.