2012 Peugeot RCZ FULL ROAD TEST

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).