In terms of performance, the SRT4 puts 100 kilometres an hour on its white-faced speedometer in just 6.1 seconds. Keep the hammer down and the SRT4 merges on to the highway in a Porsche-like manner -- the 80-to-120-km/h time of 4.1 seconds is unprecedented at this end of the price ladder. To get anything as remotely sporty requires much deeper pockets.

As for handling, the base car's dawdling habits give way to something with some serious corner-carving ability. While you do feel as if you're sitting up high, which tends to exaggerate the minimal roll that does surface, the sense is of something that's tied to the road. Sure, if you pour on the coals at the apex, the front wheels scramble for grip and there is some torque steer as this happens. But, when all is said and corner-carved, one emerges with a very large smile. The steering is also remarkably precise.

You'll also find boy-racer pedals (not needed) and a boost gauge (needed). The latter lets the driver know what the turbo is doing while giving a pretty good indication of fuel economy. Keep the needle on the negative side of the gauge's scale and the SRT4 is frugal -- I averaged a decent 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres over a week. However, keep the needle pegged on the positive side and it's bad for both one's wallet and licence.