Peugeot has Audi's stunning TT in its sights with the beautiful RCZ.
July or early August will see the first of the 2+2 cars arrive in Ireland. Available with two engine options, one diesel and one petrol, the RCZ will be the most desirable Peugeot yet. The diesel 2-litre HDi arrives first, with the 200bhp, 1.6-litre turbo coming later in the summer.
As I write I am one of the many thousands unable to get back home from abroad, but I am not looking for sympathy as the roads in Northern Spain have been great fun in this front-wheel drive car.
The RCZ will undercut the TT on price and looks even better in the 'flesh'. The car was originally built on the 308 as a concept but reaction was so positive that the car made it to production. The RCZ sits low to the ground and on a wider track than the popular 308. It's a real head turner. There are hints of even the VW Karmann Ghia to it as well as the obvious homage to the groundbreaking Audi TT.
The two aluminium roof pillars really set off the roofline, making the RCZ a potential design classic. The cabin is driver focussed and very comfortable. The cabin is big up front and there is plenty of headroom thanks to the double bubble roof that is the RCZ's unique feature. RCZ also features a two stage pop-up rear spoiler to aid downforce. The rear two seats can take children but they also fold flat to make the already large boot even bigger.
I took to the road in the diesel and petrol versions and was surprised at how differently I interacted with them. First up the tax band 'D' 1.6 turbo petrol proved to be a bit of a hooligan (0-100km/h 7.5 seconds). When you press the throttle the RCZ makes a beautiful sound - but only in the cabin and not outside! Peugeot has made a special acoustic box that gives out an induction roar that is totally artificial, but instantly thrilling. I like to think of this toying with our senses by the French firm as a form of automotive Art - as it serves no purpose other than to provoke an emotional response.
The six-speed manual gearbox features a shortened lever (sports pack) and a slightly smaller steering wheel than the diesel. There are plenty of driver aids like ESP to help keep your enthusiasm in check. RCZ is eager to press on and the front-wheel drive chassis copes very well with twisty mountainous roads. Ride quality is good despite the big alloy wheels.
The 2-litre tax band 'B' HDi version produces 163bhp and 340nm of torque, so it is an ideal GT. Slightly slower to 0-100 km/h, the RCZ still makes excellent progress but sadly it lacks the roary-ness of the petrol model as it does not get the acoustic box. This version is very easy to live with as it makes steady yet deceptively fast progress without the more sporty nature of the petrol version. The petrol will cost a bit more but for the purist will be worth it. The additional front anti-roll bar and the roar it makes win the day.
Brace yourself, as the Peugeot RCZ is a car that you'll want as soon as you see it.
Michael Sheridan
