THE stunning Peugeot RCZ coupe drives just as well as it looks.

I have driven the 160bhp diesel and the 156 and 200bhp petrols and they are all electrifying from behind the wheel.

Everyone will know you've arrived when you turn up in one of these judging by the heads that turned.

The diesel has plenty of performance and amazing economy that pushes 47 miles per gallon. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it.

And the petrol is right up there in top sportscar country with superb acceleration that makes any straight piece of road safe overtaking territory.

The engines are both smooth and refined and so is the ambiance on the inside. Handling and road holding are also right out of the top drawer, with tremendous grip and marvellously tactile steering.

The ride is a little lumpy at lower speeds on rougher roads, but I could live with that for the marvellous exhilaration and built-in fun.

It's basically a two seater, but there is a pair of small seats behind where one adult can sit across for a short journey.