Peugeot RCZ

The Peugeot RCZ is a stylish new coupe that’s getting impressive reviews. The journalists like the bold styling, driving experience and smart interior.

Almost unchanged from the concept car that was revealed in 2007, the Peugeot RCZ is a very stylish and desirable car. However, there’s more to it than a pretty face, swoopy styling and a ‘double bubble’ roof. The critics rate the RCZ very highly indeed, claiming it’s one of the best handling Peugeots on sale and is more than a match for the best sports coupes in the class.

Interior

Though not quite as stylish as the exterior, the quality of the RCZ’s cabin is a huge leap forward from what we’ve come to expect from the brand. There were a few complaints regarding some scratchy plastics, but overall it’s a well-built cabin with some smart features, such as the dash mounted clock and the option to have a full leather interior.

Space is good up front, and the boot is a usable size, but space in the back seats is really poor. However, they can be folded down to boost luggage space.

Driving

You’d expect a sports coupe to drive well, and the Peugeot RCZ doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of grip on offer, the handling is sharp and the engines all do a good job of getting the Pug up to speed. The most powerful model, the petrol powered THP 200, gets a more focused suspension setup and an improved gearbox, so is even better to drive than the standard cars.

Despite its sporting nature, the RCZ is still a comfy and quiet car. Though a few critics say its German rivals do offer better ride quality and a slightly more engaging drive.

Engines

There are two engines on offer – a 2.0 diesel, and a 1.6 turbo-petrol in two states of tune (one with 150hp, the other with 200). They’re both good engines, with plenty of punch across the rev range and good usability, and both are equally as impressive when it comes to cruising, where the RCZ suddenly becomes quite a capable tourer. They’re also great when it comes to efficiency – the petrols can achieve between 40 – 42 mpg, whilst the diesel can return almost 50.

Value for money

One area where the Peugeot trumps its more premium rivals is in cost – the cheapest RCZ you can buy, the 150hp petrol, is considerably cheaper than the base-spec Audi TT, with even the flagship THP 200 in top-of-the-range GT trim costing less to buy than the entry level Audi.

The Peugeot also comes with good quality finish, a nice offering of kit and, as mentioned earlier, they’re affordable to run. However, the VW Scirocco is on sale for similar prices, and is more practical and better to drive than the Peugeot.

Worth noting

There is the option for a six speed automatic transmission, but only on the least powerful petrol model. It’s a bit of a pricy option, and there aren’t many RCZ road tests that feature the auto ‘box, but the limited reports suggest that it's a smooth unit that’s easy to use, but doesn’t come with any shifter paddles on the wheel – the only way to change gears manually is by using the slightly jerky gearstick mechanism.

Conclusion

The Peugeot RCZ is an incredibly capable and desirable car that has very few notable faults. The rear practicality is a bit of an issue, and it’s not the dynamic benchmark for the class.

However, the Peugeot still rides well, is enjoyable to drive, looks fantastic and is easily one of the most engaging Pugs we’ve seen in a long time. Overall, it’s a great all-round sports coupe that’s very easy to recommend.