Thanks for your reply. Well, I have driven the car a bit more and noticed the following:

1. On startup the engine idles properly at 700rpm in neutral
2. After a mile of driving the idle is at 1100rpm in neutral and remains at this level for the duration of the drive.
3. If the engine is stopped and immediately restarted the idle goes back to 700rpm
4. The cruise control does not work.

Does this point to any failed components?