Forget a petrol engine for a "normal" car. Forget a Skoda and buy a VW Golf.

PERSONALLY I think the build quality and cabin quality of a Mk4 Golf GTi Diesel is far superior than any Skoda or Seat supposed equivalent (I think they look nasty inside, just like the Mk5 Golf)..... but thats my opinion.

Get Stu to chip it and you will have a car with circa 200bhp, still does 50mpg, wheel spins in 1st & 2nd (even with the traction control on when provoked in the dry) and manages to get to 60mph in a smidge over 6secs.

The only downside is that with weather like at present (well any weather that is not dry )I am unable to put my foot down as it spins the wheels up so easily with nearly 300lbft.

I can quite honestly say, it's the best ever normal car I have ever owned. As a shopping car, it goes like shit off a shovel and has all the refinements of nice interior, aircon, nice seats, stiffer GTi suspension, 6 sp box etc etc.

All in my opinion of course.