Peugeot

RCZ

Packed with top notch spec and boasting eye-catching good looks the stunning RCZ is a sports coupe with pure class in mind. It is available in two trim levels and is guaranteed to offer an edge-of-your-seat fun-packed ride.

Test Drive

Peugeot RCZ GT THP 200

It was back in 2010 when Peugeot first launched its stunning 2+2 sports coupe, the RCZ – it was an instant hit with gorgeous streamlining and a bold, athletic stance that stopped onlookers dead in their tracks.

It seemed that the car couldn’t possibly get any better looking, but how wrong we were!

For the latest upgraded model is a total attention-grabber boasting more modern styling traits complete with a new front face and the curvaceous double-bubble roof all leading to those powerful rear wings that give the car its mean, sultry yet totally absorbing character.

The new-look grille is accentuated by a lower air intake and there are striking light clusters which consist of six LEDs in the shape of claws behind the smoked glass.

And designers haven’t overlooked the interior either – it has also undergone an upgrade in design, layout and technology with the new RCZ boasting the finest leather upholstery which screams ‘premium quality’ at you wherever you lay your eyes.

Creature comforts and techno treats are plentiful and include heated electric seats with memory settings.

There is a pitch perfect audio system which is compatible with all modern devices, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, sat nav, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and a whole host of other features.

The test car was fitted with 19-inch alloys and another stand-out feature is the body-coloured spoiler which is deployed manually or automatically and has two settings to help improve the car’s dynamics – this is another clear indication that the RCZ is very capable of taking on the big guns.

And when it comes to performance and handling the car is an absolute peach to drive with its low slung stance offering superb grippy road-holding and that means tight challenging bends can be attacked with absolute confidence – for fun!

Acceleration through the six speed manual transmission is both smooth and responsive with the 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol-driven engine delivering all the power you could wish for.

According to official figures the test car can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and redlines at 146mph. And it can achieve a fairly creditable 42.2mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 155g/km.

In and around town the RCZ is very agile and easy to manoeuvre although visibility over the shoulder to check the blind spot is a tad limited, as it is on all sports coupe models. But in all honesty, it’s out on the faster roads where this car bursts into life. Motorway-driving is fine, but twisting, turning country lanes are its playground and it just loves to show off with a roar from the twin exhausts as you press down a little harder on the accelerator pedal.

There is a little road surface noise, probably because the GT model is fitted with 19-inch alloys, but that aside the car is an absolute dream to drive.

Being a 2+2 model there is very limited leg room in the back but the seats are handy to hold coats and bags etc. And the boot is well-sized too with a capacity of 309 litres.

As one would expect Peugeot has packed a comprehensive range of safety specifications into the car to protect all occupants.

All in all the RCZ priced at £27,150 (plus £2,225 optional extras) is a beautiful piece of kit that has its own unique style and character.

And given the right roads and driving conditions it’s a car that’s guaranteed to put a very big smile on your face that will only begin to fade when you turn off the engine.

Test Drive

Peugeot RCZ Sport THP 200

When the Peugeot RCZ arrived on the scene back in 2010, it was greeted with plenty of critical acclaim and now it has evolved further and is guaranteed to attract an even stronger fan base.

It’s impossible not to make comparisons between the RCZ and the Audi TT with their sleek coupe streamlining and ultra smooth lines.

And although the RCZ can’t quite match up to the German marque’s performance or all-wheel-drive capabilities it does have some real advantages.

For starters it’s cheaper, more unique and in my opinion better looking, especially after its recent facelift.

Buyers can personalise their car with a whole range of alloys and roof arches to select from.

The test car boasted black arches, a black front grille, black brake calipers and black door mirror covers to give it a sophisticated and slightly menacing look.

It also featured a “go-faster” silver grey transfer stripe to add to its sporty appearance along with twin tailpipes, LED lights, a sculpted double bubble roof and a very muscular stance.

Step inside and the sporty theme is just as apparent with Alcantara/leather sports seats, soft-touch leather dashboard and door inlays, metal pedals, plus a leather multi-function steering wheel.

Up front, there is loads of space to stretch out, although the rear seats with minimal legroom are only suitable for children and they are likely to get a bit fidgety on a long journey. Storage options are surprisingly good with a deceptively large 309 litre-capacity boot which can be increased further when the rear seats are folded flat.

The RCZ is richly equipped with a multitude of techno treats such as Peugeot’s Connect sat nav system, automatic dual-zone air con, an excellent sound system with USB connectivity, Bluetooth, a foldaway colour information screen and plenty more besides.

So the RCZ looks fabulous and is packed with creature comforts, but how does it perform? The answer is exceptionally well. Basically, this car drives as well as it looks.

The 1.6-litre petrol-powered engine with 200bhp delivers plenty of bite as the car accelerated from 0-62 in just 7.6 seconds, redlining at 146mph.

Its low, sporty stance means flawless road-holding so tight bends can be attacked and conquered with confidence.

There is also an active rear spoiler which deploys into two positions depending on the speed of the car.

The six-speed manual transmission is both smooth and responsive and despite there being a fair amount of road surface noise at higher speeds, it is only to be expected with this type of sports coupe.

And being so low to the ground, you can also expect to feel the odd bump and dip along the way although the suspension and sports seats both help to iron out the creases.

Economy isn’t too bad either – according to Peugeot, the RCZ can achieve combined fuel efficiency of 42.2mpg and has carbon emissions of 155g/km.

As one would expect, the car is kitted out with a comprehensive range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, electronic stability programme, tyre pressure sensors, numerous airbags plus an alarm and immobiliser to keep away any uninvited visitors.

All in all, the new RCZ is quite a catch. It looks beautiful, handles exceptionally well and has a price-tag of £24.2k (£26,635 with extras) that will keep you on speaking terms with your bank manager too.

Test Drive

Peugeot RCZ 1.6 GT petrol and 2.0 Sport diesel

It’s the car the motoring world has been waiting for and with blistering performance, drop-dead gorgeous lines and a price-tag that beggars belief, the RCZ is certainly going to send a shudder through the industry.

It’s been a long time since Peugeot ventured into the sports car market, but believe me, it’s been worth the wait as the RCZ is already topping all sales predictions – and that’s before it even hits the UK showrooms.

So what makes this car so special and gives it that ‘wow’ factor? Basically, a number of things. It’s the first Peugeot to carry the company’s redesigned lion emblem, it boasts a more classical look than recent releases, it has been given a name rather than a number, it can be personalised to suit buyers’ tastes and, above all, it looks fantastic and drives like a demon.

From the second you take your place in the heated leather sports seat (complete with memory settings) that feels like it has been specially designed for you, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer quality that surrounds you.

The leather steering wheel can be adjusted up, down, in or out to get the perfect driving position and then it’s time to start the engine.

Whether it’s the 1.6 petrol or 2.0 diesel you are driving, the gentle engine rumble offers an insight of what’s to come. Then, in a flash the car is away on the drive of a lifetime.

Both models have very smooth six-speed manual transmissions and both respond incredibly well providing ample acceleration when needed.

The road-holding is excellent meaning tight bends can be attacked with confidence and the ride generally is very smooth despite today’s somewhat bumpy road surfaces. All dips and blips are nicely absorbed by the suspension system and unlike many sports cars, you arrive at your destination in comfort rather than desperately seeking out a chiropractor.

The RCZ interior is crammed with quality and every feature is perfectly positioned for ease of use whether you choose the Sport or GT trim levels.

Features vary but there are parking sensors, automatic lights, sat nav systems, stunning leather dashboard and door panels, a very sleek and stylish fascia housing carbon-style instruments with chrome surrounds, double bubble rear window and roof, an active rear spoiler that aids aerodynamics, distinctive roof arches with a choice of colours, alloy wheels and plenty more besides.

The boot is very generously sized and the two rear seats (which are ideal for children) can easily be folded flat to open up even more storage space.

Of course, the RCZ is fitted with all Peugeot’s top safety specifications such as four airbags, electronic stability programme, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, intelligent traction control and a list that seemingly never ends.

So, the RCZ seems to have it all, but there is one last treat – the price. You see, the RCZ entry price is as low as £20,450 (on the road). It’s hard not to compare the vehicle to the Audi TT – it has similar looks and appeal, but the Peugeot is almost £6k less – tempted yet?