PROTON: an elementary particle of unit positive charge and unit atomic mass. Proton GTi: an elementary hot hatch of positively charging performance and atomic mass appeal. Whatever wonders the egg heads from the Lotus think tank down in Norfolk have worked to the handling of this charger, they have certainly come up trumps, because the GTi handles like a dream racer. Refined styling and impeccable road manners perfectly balance the raw power and downright gorgeous looks.

This is a car which looks like all GTi hot hatches should - mean, very mean. Every aspect of the exterior works to suggest a car built to impress - from the prominent nuts and bolts of the flared wheel arches to the 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels which are encased by mere slivers of low-profile rubber, to the gargantuan rear spoiler which sweeps away from the roof, and right down to the twin tailpipe exhaust at the rear and the tiny spots set cheekily into the low-slung front grille, which incorporates mesh-covered ducts for extra coiling for the ventilated front disc brakes.

At the time I was thankful for the tinted glass - this is a car which turned heads at every set of lights.

Inside the styling is slightly less impressive, with aluminium and carbon-fibre pattern plastic rather spoiling what should simply be a matt black facia. That said, there are plenty of sporting flourishes: aluminium race-style pedals, GTi monogrammed carpets, high-backed, Recarro racing seats that somehow manage to hold the butterflies firmly in place through the chicanes, stainless steel door kick plates, electric windows, mega-woofing bass-thumping stereo system (though, unusually for a car so obviously aimed at a young market, without a CD player built in).

The instrument gauges are nicely rimmed in silver, with electric blue graphics and easy-to-see red needles clear through the adjustable, leather-bound steering wheel.

The gear lever is nicely finished in chrome, though it could be shorter - changes are uncomfortably long when accelerating hard. And hard acceleration is what the Proton GTi is all about. With a book figure of 0-60mph in just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 126mph, the 1.8-litre twin camshaft 16-valve engine really does deliver on demand. The engine does not roar, thanks in great measure to the extra insulation, and the noise, vibration and harshness package, introduced to accommodate those low-profile tyres, ensures a smoother, quieter ride. For those of us who like to hear the sound of a car's beating heart, the powerhouse does, however, have a nicely gruff tone through first and second.

Steering response is impeccable, and no matter how I tried throwing the car into tight bends neither the nose nor the rear ever once got out of shape: this is perfect glued-to-the-road motoring, fully deserving the kudos of the ''Handling by Lotus'' badge stamped on its big, funky booty.

Hot hatches may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if they're your thing, this is one to try. Priced at #14,000 and with a respectable fuel economy of 32.7mpg (combined), this is not only one of the best hatches around in terms of handling, power and overall refinement, it is also incredible value for your money. Well worth a test drive, even if only to let loose those pent-up Colin McRae rally yearnings.

Model: GTi

0-60mph: 7.8 seconds

Top speed: 126mph

Insurance group: 15

Consumption: 32.7mpg combined

Our test car was supplied by Arnold Clark, Peat Road, Glasgow, telephone 0141 880 5353