IT'S NOT that difficult to grow out of hot hatches - both from a physical and from a literal point of view.
At twentysomething they are affordable fun. Cheap thrills that fit the bill for a guy or girl who is carrying little baggage. A decade on, the attraction of a ton-up tin box with spoiler and little in the way of boot space has a fading appeal.
So where do you turn without losing too much pace? After all, at 30 you are not quite in the Rover 75 bracket!
Peugeot, king of the pocket rocket, have a pretty decent answer to the dilemma. And so they should, or otherwise they would be saying goodbye to all those fans of the 205 or 206 GTIs.
It's the 206 SW 2.0 Si. Yes, I know, more initials than an Eton schoolboy, but basically it adds up to a roomy five door with loads of carrying capacity, leather trim and enough performance to eat many boy-racermobiles alive. What's more, insurance is contained to Group 13.
The 2.0 Si has the same engine as the top 307, but with its lighter body you get better acceleration - it will hit sixty in nine and top speed is 130mph. A by-product of the high power-to-weight ratio is meagre thirst at the pumps. The combined average is 35mpg and most owners can expect closer to 40mpg.
On the practical front, the SW - it stands for station wagon - has a deep luggage area and the tailgate window flips up for easy loading. This can be opened at the flick of a button from the key fob.
The dash is pure 206, and none the worse for that. Swooping curves and heavy duty quality plastics are used to give a feeling of substance. There is loads of cubby room and places to store drinks bottles. Splashes of aluminium for the pedals and gear lever knob, plus the neat leather-covered steering wheel remind you of those hot hatch days.
As does the 137bhp engine which has the same eager feel as the GTI from which it is borrowed. Throttle response is razor sharp and the speed-related steering is precise and informative - this is a GTI in all but name and insurance rating.
The extra couple of doors and bigger boot do nothing to detract from the fun of driving the SW. As with most Peugeots, the gearbox has a slightly rubbery feel to it as you swop cogs. That German or Japanese precision remains elusive, but the five speed box has well chosen ratios, and second, which will take you to almost 60mph, is a great overtaking gear.
At £14,685, the 2.0 SW includes air con, leather and alcantra trim, 16 inch alloys, radio-CD and rain sensitive wipers. Anti-lock braking and emergency brake assist along with smart driver and front passenger airbags with side airbags also standard.
The 206 SW range starts at just £9,000 for the little 1.1-litre and includes a couple of diesel versions, but, if you want a large helping of fun as reward for your practical approach, go for the Si.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 206 SW 2.0Si
Price: £14,685
Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,997cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.3secs
Combined mpg: 35.8
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust