1.2 petrol engine after 10k miles

[ComboLifer]

I found this engine and manual gearbox set up for the first 10,000 miles to be slightly harsh (my friend who is a mechanic calls it ‘tight’) but since the car has passed 10,000 miles the gearbox and engine are more loose (‘worn in’) and it’s a far more enjoyable drive.
The difference in how the car drives, handles and responds is considerably better,

Which leaves me with the question - 
I used to think that bedding in a car engine and gearbox ended in the 90s; every car I have had since has not changed its characteristics during ownership.
However the combo Life 1.2 is considerably better to drive now the engine and gearbox have passed 10,000 miles. 
Has anyone else have this experience?

[cancunia]

I think that some engines do still need to be run in. Next door had a new engine in their Nissan Duke which definitely got better after a few thousand miles.

[boop]

Not to be overlooked: the glove stretching to your hand and feeling more comfy after a while.