Peugeot RCZ GT THP 200

Engine: 1,598cc turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel

Power: 200bhp and 203lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and 146 mph

Economy: 42.1mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 155g/km

Price: £26,385

Peugeot’s RCZ is a case in point.

So convincingly do its exterior proportions communicate the glamour and drama of a mid-engined sports car that its dynamics can actually come as something as a surprise.

A front-engined, front-wheel-drive layout familiar to hot hatch drivers might not possess ultimate petrolhead kudos but it makes the performance served up by Peugeot’s striking 2+2 coupe more immediately accessible.

And thanks to the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that can also be found under the bonnet of the Peugeot 208 GTI the RCZ is also capable of returning fuel economy and emissions more akin to more conventionally-conceived affordable fast transport.

Equipped with 200bhp and 203lb.ft. in its most powerful guise the four-cylinder engine packs enough punch to reach 62mph in 7.6 seconds from a standstill and on to a 146mph top speed.

Claimed fuel economy and emissions stand at 42.1mpg and 155g/km CO2.

The RCZ is not up against that established hot hatch crowd, however. Instead, it is called into battle against Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi TT and perhaps the quirky Hyundai Veloster Turbo.

Prices start at £21,600 for the RCZ Sport THP 156 but the GT THP 200 tested here comes in at £26,385, undercutting the marginally more powerful (211bhp) and economical (42.8mpg) TT by about £1,000 and a more powerful (210bhp) but less frugal (38.2mpg) Scirocco by just over £100 — both of which are fractionally quicker than the French contender.

On paper, the 184bhp Hyundai concedes to the RCZ in all areas and is around second slower in a sprint to 62mph, meanwhile, countering with a £22,120 asking price.

All these cars share the same front-engined, front-wheel-drive.

What separates them from the common or garden hot hatch is a chunk of emotional appeal and the RCZ is by far the most eye-catching car in its class.

A voluptuous double bubble roof and rear windscreen evokes images of Le Mans prototypes and with a low, broad stance and squinting headlights it has the drama of cars many times its asking price.

To my eyes it can look disjointed from some angles — especially alongside the beautifully proportioned Audi TT — but the areas where unruly angles collide seem to add to the RCZ’s impact.

From rear-three-quarter view the RCZ can look strangely elongated, the cabin slung forwards, but this is what lends it that mid-engined supercar appearance.

Rather than a V12 under that glass screen, however, there resides a useful 309-litre boot...and maybe a couple of participants with their necks drawn well-in.

While the rear quarters that qualify the RCZ as a 2+2 offer resonable leg room, the glass screen leaves little headroom for an adult and the seat backs are near-vertical.

Up front things are much more commodius.

The GT-spec car featured leather seats embossed with the Peugeot lion and neatly stitched leather covering the dashboard.

A seven inch pop-up screen atop the dash serves up Sat/Nav and details from an impressive JBL stereo featuring a 10GB music hard drive and CD/radio system.

Touches of piano black and chrome add variety to an interior which is crisp and suitably driver-centric.

At over six feet I felt that I could have been afforded more reach from the adjustable steering rack in order to straighten my legs out, but the low slung driving position feels special all the same.

The pedals are well placed but the steering, clutch and gearshift — although precise — could have done with a little more weight.

Light controls make the RCZ is easy to drive, though, and a fantastic spread of torque makes the turbocharged engine very tractable.

Broad A pillars provide a slight blind spot ahead but rear three-quarter visibility is second to none.

At low speeds the engine does little to inspire in terms of a soundtrack, but offers power across its rev range, making the RCZ a quick companion on give-and-take roads.

Impressive pace can be summoned without having to work the six-speed manual gearbox, sure, but the 1.6-litre engine revels in revs as well.

Peak power arrives at 5,800rpm and beyond 4,500rpm its note hardens markedly, making the effort all the more worthwhile.

As expected, the chassis’ character is very front-end focused. While quick to respond, the steering is a little short on feedback, but turn-in traction is impressive.

Without a mechanical differential things can get a little scrappy on the exit of tighter corners and on poor surfaces, however.

It sometimes lacks a little subtlety then, but depending on how you like your cars this unruliness could be a real boon.

By the end of my week with the RCZ it was clear that it offers a great entry to the world of attractive coupes for someone who might be used to a hot hatch but really has no use for those extra two seats.

Boasting an impressive turn of pace and impressive practicality for a couple there’s lots to appreciate and an uncommon ability to turn heads with which a TT, Scirocco or Veloster just cannot compete.