IT is now more than two decades since Peugeot first set the mould in the hot hatch world with the seminal 205 GTi.
Considered by many to be the very icon of the genre, the Peugeot 205 GTi was responsible for educating a generation of drivers in the art of lift-off oversteer and, while it was great fun to drive, its handling characterstics meant this really was a car for the good driver only.
Hot hatchery is again in the ascendancy and Peugeot's latest journey down this particular highway is being taken by the 206 180bhp GTi.
This particular pocket rocket follows in the tyremarks of Peugeot's 206 World Rally Car, a three-time World Rally champion, and has been designed to represent a new era in the French company's rich GTi heritage.
British built at the PSA Peugeot Citroen plant in Ryton near Coventry, the 206 180bhp GTi comes with all the attributes to become the cats whiskers of a 206 range boasting that fine, feline look created back in 1998.
It bears all the hallmarks of the car's rallying heritage including large, 17-inch alloys, a sporty wide rear spoiler and the imposing look of twin chromed exhaust pipes. This latest piece of hot-hatchery really looks the business on the tarmac.
The sporty look combines well with the swept-back headlights, fluid curves, short bonnet and forward positioned windscreen which have made the 206 range such a winner over the past six years in the retail marketplace.
As you cross the aluminium door sill kick plate to slip behind the leather-trimmed steering wheel into the figure hugging leather/alcantra trimmed racing seat with shoulder support, there are further reminders of its sporty style in the racy look of the instrument panel with black dials and chrome surround, aluminium gearstick and drilled aluminium pedals.
Standard kit is pretty generous. This is no stripped out racer and comes with digital air con with climate control and a heat reflective windscreen, remote control sound system with five-disc CD autochanger, electric front windows, electrically heated and retractable door mirrors and automatic rain-sensing front wipers, plus automatic headlights, which is a particular boon during the variable daylight of these dull early autumn days.
As you would expect on a performance car, safety, too, has been well addressed with a full suite of front, side and curtain airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, plus three-point seat belts and retractable head restraints for both rear seats.
The driving position is good as you move off accompanied by the rumbling sound of twin exhausts hitting just the right note as the two-litre 16-valver powers you away.
Peugeot's official figures show that the 180 is capable of coming out of the blocks to 62mph in a little over seven seconds, en route to a top speed, where legally allowable, of 140mph.
But this Ryton rocket is truly at its best when kept on the boil, responding well to shorter gearing than on the standard GTi, it quickly picks up its heels to power you through some testing twisty bits to get the best out of its suspension set-up.
The power steering responds swiftly to provide information of happenings at tyre level and with those big alloys and low profile tyres providing sure grip on the roadway and the firm, but well sorted, damping ensuring the car keeps its composure, the reward is a confidence inspiring, stable ride.
Yes, the 180bhp GTi will still shake your fillings over the surfaces of some shell-holed urban thoroughfares but, if it's handling performance you really want with plenty of the fun factor, then this is one of the places where it's at.
While not everyone's cup of tea, this is a true driver's car which, with modern-day technical aids such as Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control, plus positive braking courtesy of ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, is well equipped to follow in the tyremarks of the 205 GTi, performing the hectic work schedule required of a hot hatch.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 206 2.0 GTi 180
Price: £15,215
Mechanical: 180bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 7.4 secs
Combined mpg: 32.8
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 204g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust