But the RCZ leaves all those standing. Breathtaking is a possible description of the sheetmetal work.
We're used to seeing far-out concepts at motor shows. Exotic confections in many cases, and generally not expected to go into production without a great deal of reshaping to make them practical.
This one more or less hit the road rolling off the showcar stand. And promptly got voted somewhere 'the most beautiful car in the world'.
Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and differs depending on viewpoint. But I reckon this was a good call.
But there are familiars too. The current lion badge treatment, and its framing on the bonnet to emphasise it. Similar to that on the 308, whose platform this one shares. The elongated teardrop covering a veritable sculpture of lights on each front corner.
The coupe configuration is emphasised by strong chrome character detailing, over a muscular profile in the side metal work. In particular, the haunchy style over the rear wheels gives the car a sense of power even when standing still. There are reflections of the original Ford Mustang here, but much more curvaciously.
From the rear the car is downright startling, not least because of the shape offered by the double 'dimpled' rear screen that also is very much part of the roof construction. It must be a seriously expensive piece of glass to produce. More than the style it provides, it also allows more headroom for any pair of passengers who might chance the back seats.
Those back seats I mentioned. Depends on how tall those up front are, and very much for small people in any case. Really a very occasional item, but nobody is claiming this to be a family car.
The driving position is low, but visibility is fine, and aided by quite big mirrors. I have a bit of a problem getting in and out, but that's me being tall, not a fault of the car for more average people. It is wide inside, lots of elbow room.
There's quite a decent boot, with lots of length, height a little short, but a great wide opening so it is easy to load even large suitcases.
Power options here are a 1.6 turbocharged petrol pumping 200hp or a 2.0 diesel with 163hp on tap. The review car was the diesel, a truly refined motor with loads of oomph when a swift overtaking is called for. The 6-speed manual gearbox is sweet.
The RCZ is not just a pretty face. It is designed to be a mover too. And for that reason there's a firmness about the ride that is unusual in French car offerings. But firm without being harsh, even on the kind of roads which are appearing all over the country, and which are familiar to any of our defence force guys and gals who served in Beirut in that city's rougher times.
The RCZ is targeted directly at the likes of Audi's TT, and even has a bit of that sporty car's technical gizmology in the bootlid spoiler which rises automatically at the higher speeds where it can actually have some effect.
There's a switch on the console by which you can raise it manually. Just the thing to confuse passers by in the supermarket car park ... and it adds a James Bondish touch to the car.
The overall feeling of the RCZ is good, and a fun drive too. From the brand's strategic aspect, it is the first of three high end models designed to add a higher tier to its offerings.
Pricing starts at €37,395 for the diesel, with the petrol coming in at €42,695. That's competitive in where Peugeot wants to be with their new premium range.
