2012 Peugeot RCZ Reviews

Peugeot's RCZ 2+2 coupe is a striking car in the Audi TT idiom but with its own French flavour. The double-bubble rear screen is a stroke of styling genius as are the sweeping aluminium roof spars.PRICEAnd then there's the price advantage - all three RCZ variants are $54,990 with a generous amount of goodies. A diesel Audi TT will set you back nearly $70k albeit with all wheel drive.ENGINE AND MECHANICALSWe have been driving the 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesel six-speed manual - an interesting specification for a sports coupe but it works, delivering sporty performance and sharp handling. There's no cackling, popping exhaust as you get in the turbo petrol models but the car has other strengths - such as frugal 5.3-litres/100km fuel consumption. It means you can drive your diesel RCZ for a thousand kays without refuelling. Strong roll-on acceleration is also an endearing feature of the 2.0-litre diesel which runs a variable geometry turbo and high pressure injection on the way to delivering some 120kW/340Nm output. That's pretty lazy by latest gen' diesel standards but you really don't need any more poke than what is available. It's aided and abetted by the close-ratio six- speed manual box which works sweetly apart from the 5-6 upchange which is slightly offset. You can maximise fuel efficiency by paying attention to the car's gear change indicator but we achieved 5.3 without really trying. Emissions are reduced by an exhaust particle filter and safety is boosted by four air bags and sports calibrated stability control. It has decidedly sporty handling thanks to the wide track and well damped suspension which is an ideal compromise between sports firm and comfort soft.DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTIt's a beautifully built thing coming out of a factory in Austria complete with leather interior and a stylish yet functional dash.The test vehicle was equipped with optional JBL audio which rocks your world but generous standard equipment includes Bluetooth, premium, fully connected audio, chrome dash trim, alloy pedals, dual climate control and a heap of other goodies. Brakes and steering responses are of a high order. The test car's Directional bi-xenon headlights were among the best we have sampled and the hill start assist and park assist are handy to have.VERDICTWe liked driving this car. It's stylish, engaging, economical, goes great, is well equipped - and the right price.

Released last year, the Peugeot RCZ has been compared to Audi's TT coupe in its style and execution.You don't see many of these cars on the road, so if you want to standout this could be just the ticket.VALUEStill not sure about the looks, but Peugeot's RCZ sports car certainly commands attention. So does the price, because at $54,990 before on-roads it looks a lot more expensive than it is. Peugeot has adopted a curious pricing strategy for this car. Buyers can chose between three models, all for the same price. There's a choice of 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines, with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. But there is a caveat. The diesel is available only as a manual and there is a bigger choice than might be first apparent when deciding between the manual or automatic petrol versions.If you want the automatic, you must accept a cut in the engine's power and outputs, which drops from 147 to 120kW and from 275 to 240Nm.DESIGNThe exterior is defined by the so-called double-bubble shaped roof and rear window, a large analogue clock dominates attention inside. The RCZ scores five stars for safety, with a raft of safety devices.Leather is not standard but the car is reasonably well equipped, with a range of option packs available. The standard six-speaker sound system includes Bluetooth, a USB connector, AUX socket, audio streaming function as well as a hands-free kit.TECHNOLOGYThe RCZ has a Mac strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup, and sits on standard 18 or optional 19 inch wheels. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is in fact the same unit that can be found under the bonnet of the Cooper S.Jointly developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, it was named International Engine of the Year last year. With a twin scroll turbocharger the engine develops maximum torque of 275Nm during overboost and sprints from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. At the same time it uses just 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km. The car tips the scales at 1372kg.DRIVEThink fun to drive in the classic sense of the term and you start to get the picture. Not having driven any Peugeots for a while we approached the RCZ without any preconceptions. The RCZ sits on the same platform as the 308 and 3008 models. Our test vehicle was the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the six-speed manual transmission which is bound to be the biggest selling model given the car's sporty pretensions. But the ride height has been lowered 20mm and the car has a lower centre of gravity both of which contribute to excellent handling characteristics.The RCZ is no red light racer, but delivers plenty of punch in the mid range, with nice exhaust crackle and quick, responsive dynamics. The car exhibits high levels of grip but is better suited to smoother roads, with an engine that hits the rev limit easily.A pop up rear wing activates at speeds of more than 85km/h and folds back below 55km/h, with a second position for speeds above 155 km/h (or you can deploy it manually)But, after the first corner, we were hooked. With a T intersection ahead and the lights about to go red, we just made it in time, flicking the wheel right for the 90 degree turn. To its credit the RCZ didn't miss a beat, snapping around the turn like it was on rails.VERDICTThis is a car for people who like to drive, with spring in its step and a light easy to use manual change.