I’ve managed to go for my entire driving career without ever having been in an Alfa Romeo – but not for lack of trying.

When the new MiTo appeared on my doorstep, I was suddenly reminded of a time when, working as a newly qualified staff nurse, hating every moment of it, I was dazzled by a certain doctor, who, if I passed in the street today, wouldn’t get a second glance…

I like to think it was the Alfa Romeo that dazzled me and not his stethoscope. But I was young and impressionable! So, like it or not, Alfa Romeos have always meant unobtainable men.It was therefore very pleasing to be able to climb into this lovely machine and no man around to make me giggle pathetically.

My heart was racing though, and while I knew it’d be fast, I didn’t appreciate just how much fun I had at my fingertips. I was almost relieved to give it back at the end of the week – at least the risk of getting into trouble with the law was over. So I found myself back in my husband’s runaround – previously my father’s pride and joy – a Vauxhall Corsa of a certain age. I tried to convince myself that I could have just as much fun with its stiff gears, uncomfortable seats and top speed of 70 mph with the wind behind it.

I was pleased with the way it coped with all the speed bumps, scoring better than the otherwise lovely MiTo with its very firm, sporty ride. I zoomed up the hill towards the gym, approached the lights that can either make or break me getting to my class on time and zipped through them rather neatly just as they were turning from amber to red. I had a nanosecond of smugness before I heard the wail of police sirens and a police van, lights flashing, screeched to a halt behind me!

I almost lost control of my bodily functions as I sat ramrod straight thinking “what the hell do I do now?” Having lived in the States, I was told to always keep very still, hands on the wheel should I ever be pulled over (which I never was, I hasten to add). The sheer relief as they strode out of their van to attend to a previously unnoticed car was amazing. MiTo paranoia perhaps? After collecting myself and ensuring that I was back in control of my body I arrived at my gym class, on time, but still shaking.

I will never, ever try and beat the lights again, whatever car I’m driving!