Peugeot's RCZ is a glass act . . .

The giant spoiler bolted to the rear of many a Subaru Impreza was always the crudest example of this, but it transformed the Japanese saloon into a brash road racer.

A slightly more subtle example came in the form of the aluminium or carbon ‘blades’ attached to the flanks of Audi’s R8 coupe.

But despite an influx of attractive metal onto the market over the past 18 months few have made use of styling innovation like Peugeot’s RCZ coupe.

Evoking memories of Le Mans prototypes of old, and some seriously exotic coupes of the past, the voluptuous, glass-formed roof and silver roof rails are the cherry on the top of the French manufacturer’s flagship model.

During my recent week-long test I was stunned by the amount of attention the TT-style coupe attracted on the roads and it was the distinctive roof that had most pedestrians pointing.

It’s nine months since I attended the UK launch of the RCZ and already its looks and its driving dynamics—a welcome return to form for the former kings of the hot hatch—are proving a hit.

Production has already been doubled from around 2,000 to 4,000 RCZ’s per year at the Magna Steyr Plant, in Austria, where it is built alongside Aston Martin’s Rapide.

In May I got to grips with the RCZ with both 156bhp petrol and 163bhp diesel engines.

Both proved equally perky and frugalbut there was a sense that the composed front-wheel-drive chassis could handle more.

Thankfully, a matter of months later a more potent version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine was slotted under its broad bonnet delivering a more lively 200bhp and 206lb.ft. of torque.

Priced at £25,595 in range-topping GT spec (RCZ prices start at £20,895) it comes with full leather, heated electric seats, parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels and an active rear spoiler to aid aerodynamics at speed, a la TT.

At around £1,500 less than a base-spec Audi TT, the top-grade RCZ makes a compelling alternative to the popular German coupe and many of the market’s medium-sized hot hatches.

The RCZ lacks the comfortable rear seats of a Renaultsport Megane or Ford Focus ST—having a snug rear bench—but does offer practicality in the form of a large boot (309 litres) and impressive running costs.

That 1.6-litre engine, a close relation of the ones found in the MINI Cooper S and Citroen DS3, somehow manages to return 40.9mpg fuel efficiency and 159g/km CO2 emissions, meaning annual road tax of just £155.

Still capable of hitting 62mph in 7.6 seconds and a 146mph top speed, the RCZ proves to be a usefully quick car.

It really is an easy car to gain speed in, whether you enjoy exploring the rev range or cruising in a high gear, and it feels quicker than its claimed figures.

Surprisingly, for what is a relatively small turbocharged engine, there’s also a suitably meaty soundtrack from the exhaust.

Exploiting the RCZ’s ability through the twisty stuff is equally easy.

Grip is offered up in spades and, although the rear end of the car could be more adjustable, there is genuine enjoyment to be had from darting into and out of corners.

The comparisons to mid-sized hot hatches are inevitable, given how the RCZ delivers its thrills, but it feels feels more special more of the time by virtue of its low-slung stance and stylish interior.

The RCZ’s heavily-cowled instruments, embossed leather seats and a leather clad dashboard bring a sporty air while offering ample accommodation for two.

Peugeot’s first real shot at a 2+2 coupe, the RCZ seems to have hit the nail on the head.

A refreshing proposition, it succeeds in delivering affordability and driving entertainment in an appealing, genuinely original, form.

With that stylish double-bubble finishing the package off nicely, there’s no doubting...it’s a glass act.