IN the pursuit of perfection, automotive engineers the world over are inadvertently driving all the fun out of motoring.

Cars are now so easy to drive it's approaching the point where the motorist could almost be in the back watching DVDs.

The engines can barely be heard, the ride masks all the lumps and bumps and powered brakes, steering and clutch dispense with any physical effort needed to pilot the car.

All this new technology is commendable, of course, and takes the strain out of driving, making it a safe and pleasant pastime.

But there are times when you need to feel something to feel alive. Remember the first time you went on the dodgems?

Weren't they basic, yet they were great as well?

No frills, just an accelerator and a steering wheel and the smell of candy floss in your face.

It was with great pleasure then that I got behind the wheel of Daihatsu's latest Sirion, the Rally 2.

There's nothing basic or unrefined about the little hatchback, but the engineers have managed to dial in great dollops of fun.

My soft spot for Daihatsus is well known and I look back through rose tinted spectacles at the magnificent Charade GT ti I once owned, not to mention the totally lunatic Domino that would run away with me if I wasn't careful. The Rally 2 is the nearest thing to those legendary Daihatsus that the factory has turned out in a long while.

The 1.3 litre four cylinder turns out a respectable 102PS in the rest of the world.

But in the UK it has been breathed on to develop 111.5PS in the R2, a useful amount of power and enough to propel the car to 60mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 115mph.

Paper performance apart, it feels quick, spirited and game on the road and is capable and eager to rev towards the red line, particularly after the 4,000rpm mark.

It is especially strong in the mid-range, which is brilliant when you want to overtake slow moving traffic.

Add superb steering, which is so direct it turns with your thoughts, and you have a driving package second to none. The car feels light and flighty - in a good way - but handles the curves well and grips like a grippy thing.

Suspension, brakes and gearbox are all upgraded from the standard Sirion to improve the driving experience.

What's more, there is sufficient going on around you to enjoy the ride rather than drifting along wrapped in cotton wool as in all too many motors.

The attractively clothed sports seats are comfortable and supportive and the driving position perfect for my small frame.

The interior gets nice quality plastics and an alloy-look finish on the centre console. The front looks sporty with its large new-shaped headlamps with integral indicator lenses, spot-filled airdam and mesh grille.

Smart 15-inch alloys shod with 185/55 rubber, chrome rubbing strips, a roof spoiler and a shapely rump make Rally 2 an eye catcher from any angle.

The rest is pure Sirion, a nicely packaged small hatchback with a decent sized boot and plenty of cubbyholes, including a new one mounted on the top of the dash which comes complete with lid.

At a shade under £10,000, the Rally 2 represents a lot of fun for your money and for me is a timely reminder that driving can still be a pleasure.

Updated: 10:51 Friday, January 10, 2003