Peugeot is quite excited about their new RCZ R high-performance coupe and rightfully so. Available from January 2014, the Peugeot RCZ R will be the most powerful road-going car the brand has ever sold, and at £31,995, one of the most expensive as well.

The RCZ R’s party piece is a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine developing 270bhp. Now, small turbo engine with huge power output usually spell turbo lag, but with 330Nm at the disposal of your right foot from just 1,900 rpm, you’ll enough pull all the time not to feel any inconvenience.

Compared to the normal RCZ, the R version features a six-speed manual transmission, uprated clutch, larger intercooler and new twin-scroll turbocharger, plus a specially tuned exhaust system, wider front and rear tracks, a Torsen limited slip diff, revised dampers settings, increased stiffness, and improved aerodynamics.

All that means you are going to have a very enjoyable driving experience in this pretty little Pug. The car also puts on a good show for the onlookers, what with its two-tone 19-inch alloys, sport bumpers and unique colors. Performance-wise, the car goes from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds and accelerates on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

So while 32 grand might sound like a lot of money for a front-wheel-drive Peugeot coupe, you have to admit the car does offer a lot in terms of performance, power, and visual drama. So at the end of the day, it is actually good value for money.