Oil type?

[Tech72]

Question for the oil gurus on this board.

The 1.7EL manual specifies to use 5W20 oil, it's even labelled on the engine's oil cap. I realize one's driving style, environment the car operates in, mileage on the engine, etc. affects the oil type that should be used. I plan on switching to full synthetic oil for the next oil change and thereafter. So my question is, what type of oil do you gurus recommend and why? 5W20? 5W30? 10W30? Other? Am I required to use only 5W20?

Here's the facts:
Car: 2001 1.7EL
Engine mileage: approx. 82,000 km
Driving style: mix of city and highway driving
Environment: Toronto (southern Ontario, Canada - hot as hell in the summer, cold as hell in the winter)
History: car have been well maintained, with oil changes every 4-5K since new, using 5W20 non-synthetic oil

Thanks in advance gents.

[TeLLY]

I won't go into gory detail as to why I use it, but I'm running Motul 8100 5w40 and have been year-round since around the second or third oil change. I've been trouble-free since then, the odo reads 144666 and no problems starting or driving, even long distances. With about 60% highway driving I'm getting 550+km before the gas light even comes on, and she's nice and smooth throughout the rev range, so I'm happy. I'm not saying go out and spend $60 for an oil change (Motul is pricy) though, LOL. You don't have to worry about the manufacturer's rating as much as you have to worry about how your car is driven and where it is stored, especially in the winter. Those factors should be taken into consideration when choosing your oil grade.