The 2.0 litre lump offers either 137 or 180bhp, so the performance choice is obvious. The 137 bhp version feels warm, rather than hot: it gets to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 130 mph. The 180 bhp version knocks a second off the 0-60 time and has a top speed of 137 mph. In addition the 180 benefits from a six-speed gearbox.

Peugeot knows how to make a car handle well, and the 206 is no exception, with plenty of grip, feedback and responsiveness. However it has been set up to be safer than the old 205 GTi and has lost some of that car’s fun too.