NORFOLK'S prestigious Lotus marque is heading to Kent with a new dealership outside Maidstone. Marking the occasion, took to the streets in the marque’s feisty Exige racer which packs more than enough punch for even the most ambitious of petrolheads.

It seems only fitting that the new Lotus Exige has a big smiley grin on the front grille of its beautifully crafted body.

Because that’s exactly how you’ll be feeling after getting behind the wheel of this road-legal race car.

Not only does it have looks to die for, its performance is nothing short of breathtaking.

The Norfolk-based marque make no bones about the fact that their latest sporting baby is far from a shy and retiring Sunday runaround.

Delivering a blistering 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, this is just about the closest you could ever hope to come to being out on the race track.

For anyone of over 6ft like myself (or under 6ft for that matter) getting into this stunning steed is something of gymnastic achievement, such is its low-slung design. But once you’ve made it in, boy is it rewarding.

Strap yourself into its posture-enhancing seats and the first thing you notice is a complete absence of baffling instrumentation.

The Exige and its sister motor, the more well known Elise, have been described as a minimalist’s dream.

Practically all you have in its cosy interior is a rather natty speed and rev dial beneath its small, but perfectly formed three-spoke steering wheel and a couple of air-con dials. Even the stereo seems like an added extra, perched in the corner of its clean suede-effect dashboard.

Start up its 189bhp high revving 1.8 litre engine and you’ll hear a most satisfying low rumble signalling this is a car that clearly means business. The Exige’s sturdy chrome gearbox is reassuringly firm in operation and handles with rapid response through its six-speed range.

As with many of the finest sporting motors, there’s no power steering so you retain optimum control.

A new feature this year is a switchable traction control system which you can experiment with for even greater driving thrills.

Lotus have clearly invested much time in terms of its handling and it positively glues itself to the road, eating corners for breakfast.

The startling acceleration is something to behold, which can in no small measure be attributed to its extremely light weight of just 875kg.

Though its road-holding is second to none, the rock-hard sports suspension means you’ll definitely be feeling those bumps in the road. It’s also pretty loud inside, but these factors are all part of its immense charm.

While the palm-tree strewn seafront at Worthing may not exactly be Miami, driving along in a car of this calibre certainly made me seem as if I was in far more exotic surrounds.

You’ll definitely feel a million dollars from the awe-struck looks of admiration the Exige attracts.

It’s almost a given that anyone contemplating buying one is more concerned about sporting prowess over practicality. Look no further than its tiny boot and lack of interior storage if you wanted any proof of this.

But these are minor blips in the grand scheme of things and easily outweighed by the sheer driving joy.

Being so low presents additional driving challenges in terms of visibility. Sitting directly in front of engine means the central mirror is of little use, though this is compensated for by fairly wide side mirrors.

Price-wise, it clocks in at £29,995, which compares favourably with the likes of Porsche’s Boxster range. For anyone seeking that extra burst of adrenaline, the Exige S packs even more punch in the power stakes and is yours for £33,000.

Considering its high performance figures, the car is particularly competitive in the fuel stakes, managing a combined economy figure of 31mpg. It is on the market in a generous choice of 21 colours.

Four equipment packs are available, including two touring options featuring electric windows, full leather interior, driver and passenger air bags plus leather steering wheel. The sports versions boast seven-spoke alloy wheels and re-enforced suspension for race track use.

Everyone wants to be your best friend when you’ve got a Lotus. They demand to be driven in full-blooded style, so if you’re after a high-octane summer, the Exige will deliver.