Peugeot RCZ GT THP 200 & GT HDi 163
“Isn't she lovely, Isn't she wonderful”,
poignant lyrics from the 1976 hit from the legend that is Stevie
Wonder. Also words that fitted Peugeot’s reputation at the time as a
maker of beautifully styled cars such as the 504 coupe with its superb
rear wheel drive chassis.
Sadly
since the demise of the equally brilliant 306 Peugeot seem to have lost
their way a little with a wash of questionable looking models with
average on road manners missing out on the sparkle that everyone used to
love so much.
There
was however a glimmer of hope for the french firm in the form of the
308 RC Z Concept Car that was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Opinions were unanimous - it had to be built. Fast forward to 2010 and
our prayers were answered, the RCZ had made it to the market and
surprisingly unscathed during the transition from concept car to
production ready coupe.
Tasked
with bringing back the spirit missing from previous Peugeots the RCZ
has a lot to live up to.We get behind the wheel of both the range
topping THP 200 and HDi 163 to find out whether the lion has got its
claws back...
Considering
the RCZs humble beginnings - based heavily on the 308 hatch- Peugeot
have done an amazing job in creating a design that turns heads. Its
sleek body hunkers down on the generous 19” alloy wheels with its proud
wheel arches drawing attention to the significantly widened tracks and
broad rear haunches.
The
front fascia is typically Peugeot with its massive gaping mouth grill
and feline headlights but for the first time it seems to fit the car
perfectly, almost as if it was intended for the RCZ all along.
The
rear is even better with its flat deck, neatly concealed rising rear
spoiler and slicked-back lights. Not to mention the oh-so-sexy
double-bubble roof that wouldn't look out of place on a car costing ten
times as much. Its an incredibly daring design but it manages to look
sleek, sporty, sophisticated and expensive.
Inside
the 308 roots are evident as the dashboard and switchgear are exactly
the same which isn’t as bad as it sounds. In GT trim the whole interior
is clad in quality leather, there are also racy looking dials and a
plush-looking clock in place of the centre air-vent.
Everything
feels well built and perfectly befitting of a premium coupe. The rest
of the cabin is unique to the RCZ including the figure-hugging seats,
thick carpets and so-so ergonomics. For example the handbrake is on the
wrong side of the centre console which is very annoying.
The
seating position is much lower in the RCZ bringing the drivers bottom
nearer to the ground but there is still bags of adjustment in the
driving position although visibility is restricted.
If
you were thinking those rear seat will come in handy, think again -
they are almost useless as the front seats don’t slide forward and even
if you do manage to get into the back there is no leg or headroom. You
can, however, fold the rear seats flat increasing the already generous
309 litre boot for genuine practicality.
We
were lucky enough to sample the RCZ in both diesel and petrol forms and
were surprised by the similarities in the two. The petrol comes in the
form of a 1.6 litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine generating a
healthy 200 bhp (with 206lb ft @1770 rpm) designed in conjunction with
BMW(MINI).
The
diesel powerplant is the familiar 2.0 HDi with 163bhp (with 240lb ft
@2000 rpm), both are mated to the same slick-shifting 6 speed manual
gearbox - although the THP 200 has a shorter shift action for quicker
changes. Both engines feel similar in their responses thanks to their
delivery of torque, the diesel is perfectly swift with linear power
delivery and a 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds but still managing to achieve
53.2mpg combined.
On
the other hand the THP 200 sees 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds and thanks
to a clever dash-membrane provides a lovely roarty soundtrack when
pushed. Despite the additional power on offer 42.1mpg is achievable if
driven carefully - deeply impressive for a petrol engine.
On
the road you would have no idea that underneath the svelte body work
lies the unimpressive 308 chassis. With its simple torsion beam
suspended rear and utterly conventional macpherson strut arrangement up
front you may think that the little Peugeot would struggle to raise
pulses. You would be wrong!
The
RCZ has much wider tracks, lowered hardened suspension and much wider
tyres - not forgetting beefier brakes all round. It also has a much
lower centre of gravity. The result is, well, genious.
As
soon as you set of the RCZ feels poised, alert, grippy and above all -
fun. Body control is superb with minimal roll in corners and bags of
grip, the gearbox and steering feel perfectly weighted - the latter much
heavier than you would find in a 308.
Take
the RCZ through a series of challenging corners and it devours them
with real vigour. We just wish the steering had a little more feedback
and mid-corner ridges did not upset your driving line - everything else
is spot on. What strikes you most is how much fun can be had at
sensible speeds.
The
differences between the HDi diesel and THP 200 petrol depend largely on
your priorities. The petrol RCZ has harder, tighter suspension than the
already taught HDi resulting in marginally better body control and a
crisper turn-in but a less resolved ride. The short-shift gearbox and
more rev-happy nature of the THP 200 also makes for a more enjoyable
drive if a little more tiring. The HDi on the other hand perhaps strikes
a more likeable balance with the addition of improved fuel economy and
better refinement.
With
a starting price of £21,210 for the base petrol THP 156 in Sport trim
buyers get a lot of talent for very little cash. Compared to its closest
rival the VW Scirocco there is a saving of around £200 to be had but
considering the styling of the RCZ we think its well worth it. Top spec
(special edition) Asphalt THP 200 spec will set you back just under
£30,000 which although cheaper than the VW (Scirocco R) offers much less
in terms of performance.
Words and Photos by Rob McSorley
Technical Data
GT THP 200
Price as tested: £25,945
Engine: 1.6 16v 200bhp - 0-62mph:7.6 secs - Maximum Speed: 146mph -
Economy: 32.1mpg (urban) –50.4mpg (extra-urban), 42.1mpg (combined) - Emissions: 146g/km (Band G) - VED (12 months): £160
Dimensions: Length: 4290mm - Width: 1845mm - Height: 1352mm - Wheelbase: 2612mm
GT HDi 163
Price as tested: £25,395
Engine: 2.0 16v 163bhp - 0-62mph: 8.7secs - Maximum Speed: 137mph -
Economy: 41.5mpg (urban) –62.7mpg (extra-urban), 53.2mpg (combined) - Emissions: 139g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £110
Dimensions: Length: 4290mm - Width: 1845mm - Height: 1352mm - Wheelbase: 2612mm
*data from Peugeot UK
The Verdict
The
RCZ represents a real turnaround for Peugeot. Not only is it a
stonkingly good car to look at and be seen in it also offers genuine
driving thrills. No matter which engine or trim level you choose you
will end up with a well equipped, high quality car that is sure to turn
heads wherever it goes. Above all the RCZ is a rare car that does
exactly what it has been designed to do but wrapped up in an affordable
package with impressively low running costs. Those who cannot see past
the Peugeot badge are missing out on something really special. Those who
do try an RCZ are likely to fall in love with it as we did and will
revel in the knowledge that Peugeot do still have the ability to build
drivers cars.
You will like;
-Beautiful looks
-Thrilling drive
-Big boot
-Low running costs
You won’t like;
-Pointless rear seats
-High price in top trim level
All
photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except
where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal
viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The
photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated,
projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of
Rob Mcsorley (mrrobertmcsorley@gmail.com).
