WHEN Peugeot launched the RCZ - its striking 2+2 sports coupe model back in 2010 - it was an instant hit with gorgeous streamlining and a bold, athletic stance that stopped onlookers dead in their tracks.

Few believed the car could get any better looking but it has. And the upgraded model is a total attention-grabber with a slightly more modern styling complete with a new front face and the curvaceous double-bubble roof all leading to those powerful rear wings that give the car its mean, sultry yet totally absorbing character.

The new grille is accentuated by a lower air intake and there are new light clusters which consist of six LEDs in the shape of claws behind the smoked glass.

It would be fair to say it's hard to take your eyes off the new RCZ and the inside has also seen an upgrade in design, layout and technology.

The car boasts the finest leather upholstery and screams premium at you wherever you lay your eyes.

Features include heated electric seats with memory settings, a pitch perfect audio system which is compatible with all modern devices, Bluetooth, sat nav, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and a host of other features.

This car was fitted with 19-inch alloys and another striking feature is the automatic or manual spoiler to improve the car's dynamics which just proves the RCZ is very capable of taking on the big guns.

And when it comes to performance the car is an absolute dream to drive with its low slung stance offering brilliant grippy road-holding which means tight bends can be attacked with absolute confidence.

The acceleration through the six-speed manual transmission is smooth and very responsive with the 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol-driven engine delivering all the power you could wish for.

According to official figures it can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 7.6 seconds and tops out at 146mph - and it can deliver a fairly creditable 42.2mpg on a combined run along the way.

In and around town the RCZ is easy to manoeuvre although visibility over the shoulder to check the blind spot is a tad limited, as it is on all sports coupe models. But it's out on the faster roads where this car comes alive.

Motorway-driving is fine, but twisting, turning country lanes are its playground and it loves to show off displaying just how capable it is with a roar from the twin exhausts as you press a little harder on the accelerator pedal.

There is a little road surface noise, probably because the GT model is fitted with 19-inch alloys, but that aside the car is an absolute peach.

Being a 2+2 model the rear seats offer very limited space for passengers but are handy to hold coats and bags etc. And the boot is pretty well-sized too with a capacity of 309 litres.

The car is packed with a comprehensive range of safety specifications to protect all occupants.