RCZ take on coupe market

Test Report by Graham Breeze

Any car company taking on the performance coupe market just has to get it right first time and Peugeot has done just that with the RCZ GT.

It’s the hottest performer ever to break out of Peugeot garages and it has the looks, power and panache of any of the opposition in the performance coupe sector.

Peugeot bosses decided not to meddle too much with the looks of the RCZ which first appeared on our streets in 2009 which is why from the outside you only get a new two-part grill and redesigned claw-like headlights and a  double bubble rear window and roof.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the appearance, the test car crouching purposely on 192 alloys with an active rear spoiler and twin sport exhausts.

The new RCZ is a match for the opposition in performance terms and inside the car demonstrates all the traits of a performance 2+2 sports coupe.

Heated sports front red and black leather seats adjust to give even the tallest front seat occupants a comfortable position and there’s a stunning red carbon style dashboard, sports steering wheel and short shift gear lever.

You also get Peugeot Connect Navigation and CD systems and Peugeot Connect USB  Box with Bluetooth.

It’s a tight fit inside though and you really wouldn’t want to be seated in the back.

Any negativity about this car soon disappears once on the open road though. It’s a dream to drive, sitting firmly through the tightest bends, with the 1.6 GT emitting a glorious roar when pushed.

Steering feedback is glorious thanks to wider tyres and firmer springs and you have to take your hat off to Peugeot designers for providing this superb driving experience.

There’s a price range from £22-£32,000 and the THP 200 on test would set you back £26,900 with metallic paint, Media Navigation, roof arches and Hi-Fi system adding another £2,200.

The test car had a top speed of 146mph and would reach 62mph in 7.6seconds through a six speed manual box and although Peugeot claim combined fuel figures of 42.2mpg you wont get that if you drive the car the way I did for a week.

Boot space is limited as you would expect and there’s no room for the golf clubs unless you fold the back seats flat.

On the plus side you can design your own model when buying through a wide range of personalisation options, including 10 alloy wheel designs and 12 interior trims.

The new RCZ gets a visibility pack consisting of automatic wipers and headlamps, electric interior mirror and guide-me-home lighting.

The new RCZ is without doubt a genuine competitor in the sports coupe sector.