Craig's Cars: Peugeot RCZ

What is it?

Well, back in 2009 Peugeot launched its RCZ Sports Coupé at the Frankfurt Motor Show just 2 years after the concept was first shown. Just like the Audi TT, it's a 2.2 coupé, although no roadster version is offered.

It looks different to when I saw the RCZ a few years ago.

Yes, in 2012 it had a facelift to keep up with the rest of Peugeot's range such as the sharper 208.

What's new then?

Touches of leather have been added here, there and everywhere. More sporty upgrades include the lacquered black and aluminium trimmings.

Outside, more lacquered black and chrome detailing can be found as well as various colour options for the roof, arches and body.

How can I spec my RCZ?

Three trim levels are offered - Sport, GT and R.

Sport has some rather large 18-inch alloys, an active rear spoiler, USB and Bluetooth® connectivity, ISOFIX in the rear, automatic dual-zone climate control, reversing sensors, automatic lights and wipers and those all-important sports seats in the front.

GT models gain even bigger 19-inch alloys, a sports steering wheel, front parking sensors and electrically adjustable heated leather front sports seats.

R models have 19-inch 'R' alloys, a fixed rear spoiler, sat nav and manual leather/Alcantara sports seats. It does lose a few things that the inferior GT model has, like front parking sensors and electrically adjustable seating.

There's a Special Edition too, and it comes with red or black metallic paint jobs. It's called the Red Carbon and sits near the GT in terms of spec. It also has a sat nav and Red Carbon interior and exterior detailing.

Oh, and you can't buy this anyway. Only a couple of hundred were produced.

What's under the bonnet?

Well that depends on which trim you go for. The 1.6-litre THP petrol engine produces 156 bhp. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto 'box. It's available in both forms on the GT model, or just as a manual on Sport trim. The 2.0-litre HDi diesel produces 163 bhp and achieves a real-world average of almost 50 mpg. It's stuck with the 6-speed manual transmission and is on Sport and GT models. A more powerful 1.6-litre THP petrol engine in offered for GT customers. With 200 bhp and a 6-speed manual transmission, it's a sub-40 mpg car in the real world. The RCZ R has a super-powerful 270 bhp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine (yes, 1.6-litre) and is used in conjunction with, you guessed it, a 6-speed manual transmission to get to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. Official statistics show that the 270 bhp 1.6 is more economical than the 200 bhp 1.6, but being more powerful, you'll be encouraged to drive it less efficiently.

Have you seen one in real life?

I certainly have. And I have a couple of issues. Rear headroom is virtually non-existant - for 5'10" me, a whole extra head's height would be nice in the back, and with the driver's seat set to my position, rear legroom isn't great either. But remember, Peugeot don't sell it as some grand 4-seater super coupé. It's a nice, simple 2+2.

Up front, the sat nav sits above the dashboard and almost joins in the middle with the rear-view mirror. This makes for a poor visibility. One last thing. The handbrake - I just don't like it.

Do you have anything positive to say?

Of course I do! I like the easy-to-use centre console, even if it is placed a bit out of reach for the driver. A particularly nice touch is the modern analogue clock which helps give the cabin a more up-market appearance.

The 384-litre boot is really practical thanks to the massive tailgate. Space can be increased to 760 litre with the rear seats folded down, and there's even more than 30 litres of additional storage under the boot floor! It's up there with the German hatchbacks in terms of capacity with all seats in place (1 Series, A3 and Golf).

Also, it just looks great!

How's the options list?

Peugeot haven't needed to offer many options because even standard Sport RCZs are well-equipped.

The JBL Hi Fi Pack is £420 though, and for models without sat nav, it costs £735. I really like the 16-litre coolbox which has its power delivered via a 12V power output. It's only £156.92!

I've seen the review of the Audi TT. Which would you buy?

Sorry Peugeot, but it'd have to be the Audi. The premium German brand offers, well, a more premium product. But if I had a limited budget, I would definitely consider the RCZ as my second option before other rivals.

Rivals?

Yes, the Toyota GT86, Nissan 370Z and of course, the Audi TT. See them in the TT review.

If you were to buy an RCZ, how would you customise it?

Just like this.

Peugeot RCZ Configuration

It comes in at just under £30k.

Pictures, please?

RCZ pictures are here: