Peugeot RCZ 2012 review

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.

VALUE

Still 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.

DESIGN

The 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.

TECHNOLOGY

The 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.

DRIVE

Think 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.

VERDICT

This is a car for people who like to drive, with spring in its step and a light easy to use manual change.