Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2010/January 2011 | Page 100

motoring Peugeot RCZ Island Life - December 2010 NISSAN TEST DRIVEN ON THE ISLAND By Roz Whistance Sinuous curves, sensational drive ‘It’s a sports car for every day,’ said the salesman. Oh yeah? How can this thing of extraordinary beauty, with its swooping curves and feline wink, its perfect balance between width and depth, and its broad weight-bearing wheels – how can this possibly be something for every day? What sets it apart is the perfect rise of the roof, so gradual that its peak and 100 descent is like a sweep of a designer’s pen. The play of light reveals what Peugeot calls the ‘double bubble’, which doesn’t do justice to the sheer sensuality of the roof ’s valley and curves. Inside, sink into the high-backed Nappa leather-upholstered seat, and pause. Everything is just right. Nothing jars. The grip on the leather-wrapped steering wheel compresses just enough; the dials in front of you are classic sports-car, simple and clear. The cold chrome gear stick, with fuss-free reversing ring, is satisfying to fondle. Even the rear seats, neat and upright as they are, earn their place in a car which frankly isn’t designed for a crowd. The RCZ is a feast of understatement, because it doesn’t have to try to Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com