THE huge number of big-ticket items on the GTi will keep modifications down to a bare minimum. The hot hatch looks are achieved with the aggressive front and rear airdam, brake cooling slots, wheel arch flares, side skirts and rear wing.

The Lotus connection is milked for all it's worth - and why not? "Handling by Lotus" badge brings instant credibility. Body coloured bumpers appear front and rear. The dual square outlet sports exhaust tips are a striking feature of the rear end. An intermittent rear washer/wiper is standard, as is a bee-sting aerial. Front and rear fog lights are also standard.