Peugeot’s new RCZ is proper. Finish and klaar. If only it were that simple. Fortunately it’s not because there’s a lot more to the new coupe than just a few words. First revealed as a concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the RCZ became the fastest concept-to-production Peugeot of all time when the real deal was unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt do. Its purpose is to shake and rattle the established players of the segment, namely the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK, although Peugeot SA reckons the TT and VW Scirocco are probably its main targets.
By now we are almost over the whole “it looks like the old Audi TT” thing and are concentrating on the RCZ for its own attributes. Plenty they are too, I can assure you. Our four hour take on the car revealed just where it stands and how well it’s likely to do in our market. Peugeot plans to push 120 units in 2011, or roughly 10 a month. Incidentally the TT sold 10 examples this July.
The RCZ is a thing of beauty, no doubt about that. Lines flow freely from one end to the other. It has that classic roadster/ coupe look from the old days, which is smooth and easy. Possibly the highest talking point will be its roof, or double bubble roof. Carried straight from the show car of 2007, the double bubble is unique in the segment, possibly in the world too. It was apparently very difficult to pull off in production, especially when applied to the rear window. The roof pillars appear either in silver metal or a faded gold. Very nice.
Side profile shows a forward-looking sports car with an elongated rear end, flared wheel arches, big headlights and a wide front grille. Compact it may be but the RCZ isn’t as small as it appears. Total length is 4.3 metres, total width is 2.1m (1.6m inside, side to side), height is 1.36m and the wheelbase is 2.6m. Two doors and four seats are fitted, and although I didn’t get to try the back seats, from the look of things only a smurf or a hobbit.
The rest of the cabin is spacious though, sits front passengers quite comfortably. Because the RCZ is low-slung, entry requires a bit of a bending journey. Appointments are not dissimilar to the 308 CC which we really liked, including the flat-bottomed steering wheel and optional silver gear lever head. Speaking of 308 CC, Peugeot says a cabriolet RCZ is probably not a possibility, given it would be very similar to the CC in dimension, concept and looks. However, since going green has been quite a priority for them, a hybrid model is not out of the question at all. Other nice things are the bi-zone climate control system, a USB connection, Bluetooth, an onboard computer and a refrigerated cubby hole. Great for the summer.
Driving out of the launch venue of Tokara down in Cape Town immediately exposed the car’s strengths, which are handling and good manners. Steering is very accurate while never making one feel like a boy racer. That means stiff enough to go exactly where it’s asked but not so stiff that you wonder where the power assistance is. It’s quiet, bar the engine note which is amplified using a unique system. Normally road noise gets in the way of a good engine sound but Peugeot engineered the RCZ such that when one steps on the accelerator pedal aggressively, road noise is minimised while the exhaust note is maximised. It’s lovely to experience the thrill without the shrill.
Speaking of powertrains, only two motors are being introduced to Mzansi. Both are the 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol making two different power outputs. Each will also sport its own gearbox. The baseline 1.6 makes 115kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 240Nm at 1400rpm. Peugeot is selling it only with a 6-speed automatic gearbox for our market. Combined fuel consumption is said to be 7.3 litres per 100km and C02 emissions are 168 g/km. This is the sensible choice, the one to drive if you aren’t looking at blowing off traffic cops and speed traps, though a top speed of over 200km/h is possible. The gearbox is smooth when it gets going but sometimes does not kick down quickly enough.
The 147kW 6-speed manual is for the fun-seekers through and through. Its maximum power is attained at 5500rpm, while the 275Nm of torque moves in at 1700rpm. Remember this is a 1600cc engine making the kind of power that a Golf 5 GTI used to make using a bigger 2.0-litre engine. Sprightly and responsive is this motor, coupled with a short-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox. The pair make for dangerous enemies to boring driving experiences. For the enthusiast this is the one to have. Nothing has been said regarding more powerful models, although Europe does get an HDI turbo diesel as well. Average fuel consumption is said to be 6.9 litres per 100km, corresponding to a C02 emissions figure of 159 g/km. The 0 – 100km/h time are not quoted but I expect something in the early 8s for the 115kW and mid-7s for the 147kW.
Marketing gurus at Peugeot say the TT and Scirocco need to watch their backs, and I say yes and no. yes because the RCZ ticks all the right boxes; beautifully designed, spacious, brilliant handling and powerful engines. No because South Africans are still so brand-conscious that any car of this sort that doesn’t come out of Germany is frowned upon. How the Nissan 350 Z got accepted is the stuff of business theses.
Peugeot RCZ Pricing
THP 115kW auto (R358 000)
THP 147kW manual (R373 000)
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