The end result was a bit of traded paint and a dislocated ego – and a different introduction to the one I had planned for the Mégane’s Fast Fleet debut. The original one went something along these lines: ‘Do you know what this car is?’ Admittedly, it wasn’t the best of openers, because if you saw the twin test that featured this very car in last month’s issue you’ll already be aware that, contrary to expectations, this hot hatch has a diesel engine up front.

We reckon it’s one of the best- kept secrets in motoring right now; all the fun and frolics of the petrol, but the promise of 40mpg. It’s been creating a stir wherever it goes, too. First on the test in North Wales, then again when Roger Green took it to Pembrey Race Circuit where it was greeted with scratched heads as people tried to work out where the chuggy noise was coming from