The term 'future classic' is one hurled around carelessly at the moment when discussing used cars. Unsurprisingly, it seems that everyone with something rare and four-wheeled thinks they've got a valuable car because of the current market. But here's a Peugeot that could well tick all the boxes on the elusive 'future classic' assessment sheet. That's on top of definitely making a

brilliant sports coupe

right now. Here's why...

It's rare, for a start. Being introduced at the end of 2013 with a price in excess of £30,000 won't have helped matters, but with Peugeot killing the RCZ range a little over a year later

the R

would never make big numbers. When was the last time you saw one?

Howmanyleft

has just 302 registered in the UK.

It's good looking too, adding some welcome aggression to the pretty RCZ shape. Sure, the interior wasn't and isn't all that amazing, but the vitals in terms of seats and contact points are pretty good. Just make sure you fit...

But perhaps the biggest possible contributing factor to the R's future success is that it was (and remains) excellent to drive. More than that, it marked the return of Peugeot to the radar of enthusiasts, where it hadn't registered for more than a decade. If Peugeot Sport can continue producing cars as good as the 270hp RCZ and the latest 208 GTI, then the R will appear even more significant as the beginning of the renaissance.

Sure, it's flawed, but the RCZ R is as entertaining as the very best hot hatches and coupes for the money. There's some serious hardware underneath it including Alcon brakes and a Torsen limited-slip diff, but a real sense of fun and mischief about it too.

Read here

about just how entertaining that differential in car with a strong tendency to oversteer can be...

So that's rare, stylish, talented and significant ticked off the list. It could also be argued the RCZ R is underappreciated at present, as it lingers in obscurity and faces the endlessly amusing (to those who make them) 'Aldi TT' jokes. But which is more likely to look desirable in 10 years time? The premium but rather joyless Audi, or the less polished but far more engaging Peugeot? Even 309s are being snapped up at big money, so there's hope for everything.

Finally, it's worth pointing out the RCZ R makes a damn good case for itself right now. This 2014 car has done less than 20,000 miles yet, going off the list price, is more than £12,000 cheaper than when new. The ad is lacking in detail but the car is most definitely worth consideration. Ahead of a TT or Scirocco? Definitely. Against a GT86? Tougher call. But if you are willing to be a little different, there's a lot to recommend this Peugeot. And if one day it is collectable, you'll know where the claim was first made!

PEUGEOT RCZ R

Engine: 1,598cc, 4-cly turbocharged

Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive

Power (hp): 270@6,000rpm

Torque (lb ft): 243@1,900-5,500rpm

MPG: 44.8 (NEDC combined)

CO2: 145g/km

First registered: 2014

Recorded mileage: 19,000

Price new: £31,995

Yours for: £18,000