EVERY now and again I'm lucky enough to drive a car that is simply superb - everything a good car should be - and it feels like the first day of the holidays or a win on the lotto.

The Peugeot RCZ is just such a car. In top THP200 Sport spec, it seems to have the horizon on a string, pulling it towards you at frightening speed with the slightest touch of the loud pedal.

And what a sound accompaniment. The whole experience of this car is sublime.

Yet under the bonnet is a little 1.6-litre pussycat of an engine, which is made to roar like a lion by some technical wizardry and a turbocharger.

Yet it's not all flash, bang, wallop. It will put a smile on your face just popping down to the shops, pulling from tickover in all six gears with consummate ease.

Road holding and handling are immense, with the most magical levels of grip at ridiculous speeds, and while the cheapest Audi TT is the same price, I'd rather have one of these.

Loads of chrome around the cabin makes it feel really special and the driving position is superb for all sizes of driver.

Equipment is excellent - as it should be - with everything most drivers could want, but some might find the rather unforgiving ride a little uncomfortable at times.