We finally have some details of the Peugeot RCZ Coupé, a car that will compete with the likes of Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz SLK. The RCZ first appeared at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept car and many could not believe how closely it resembled the TT. It still does but now it has also built its own character, especially through the “double bubble” roof.
We aren’t too sure about their ideal sizes – ie height and width – but the car can accommodate a total of four people. It stands at only 1.36m in height and wears either 18-inch or 19-inch boots.
Power will come from three engines initially. Two petrols, one is a 1.6-litre turbo making about 116kW and 240Nm of torque, while the other version of the same engine can go up to about 147kW and 255Nm with an overboost to 275Nm of torque. For diesel fans (probably not for South Africa) there is a 2.0-litre HDi FAP making around 122kW and 340Nm. There will be 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes to choose from.
This year’s Frankfurt Motor Show will complete the RCZ journey by showing this production version and sales begin in early 2010. Peugeot South Africa will launch not long after.
