2011 Peugeot RCZ Asphalt

Only 40 examples will come to the UK, and we got behind the wheel to find out if there’s more to this super-rare car than its stunning style.

Other unique features include special Asphalt badges and black brake calipers. The 19-inch alloy wheels are optional on lesser models, but are fitted as standard here.

Inside, the custom touches continue. The contrast-stitched leather sports seats now come with Asphalt badging on the headrests, and there’s a set of unique door sills and floor mats, too. The cabin is not only stylishly designed, it also has a real air of quality, helped by the leather-lined dashboard and solid-feeling switchgear.

There’s not a huge amount of space in the low-slung Peugeot, but adults can squeeze themselves into the rear for short journeys. Luggage room is good, with 384 litres on offer; fold the back seats, and this expands to a maximum of 780 litres.

The newcomer is based on the RCZ GT 200 – the quickest and sharpest car in the line-up – and doesn’t disappoint from behind the wheel. The 1.6-litre turbo produces 197bhp, and is punchy throughout the rev range before really coming into its own above 4,500rpm. There’s a raspy growl from the twin chrome exhausts, and the RCZ can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds. It also claims a combined figure of 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

As with the GT model, the Asphalt Edition has been tweaked for a sharper drive with thicker anti-roll bars and larger wheel hubs. It doesn’t disappoint in corners, with excellent body control, front-end grip and stability.

The smaller steering wheel provides sharp responses – even if the feel does seem a little artificial at times – and the short-throw six-speed manual box is a pleasure to use. Even with large 19-inch alloys and low-profile rubber, the car rides extremely well. Rough road surfaces are ironed out, while potholes send only a dull thud through the cabin. This means the RCZ has real all-round ability; it’s a sports car one minute and a motorway cruiser the next.

As well as the updated styling, the Asphalt comes with extra kit as standard over the GT model. Front and rear parking sensors, ‘approach’ and ‘follow me home’ headlights, sat-nav and an upgraded JBL stereo system are all fitted. The special edition commands a premium of £4,050 over the GT 200 on which it’s based. That takes the overall cost to £29,995, which seems very expensive indeed. However, once you specify an RCZ GT to a similar level, you’ll find the difference is only a few hundred pounds.