I recently had the chance to sample the new RCZ in its various (current) guises. I won’t waste time on the description here, as there are plenty of pics and information about all over the Internet – What you really want to know is what’s it like to drive?
Well, very good is the short answer. My brief excursions with both the 156 THP petrol and the 163 HDI had me favouring the diesel version. OK it might not make the ‘right’ noises, but I found it a much better drive. Of course the superior torque and acceleration swayed me but the suspension somehow felt much more taught and responsive. I imagine the spring rates are different between the two versions, or it may just be the different balance due to the additional weight. The petrol version I drove was the GT which was fitted with very smart 19” alloys, and rode surprisingly well over our potholed test route, but back in the HDI sport version on 18” rims was even better. Certainly both cars handled extremely well on whatever we could throw at them, and quickly were able to attain three figure speeds – not on the public roads of course officer. The neat integrated spoiler has two positions apart from down – 17deg, which actually improves the cars’ aerodynamics and rises above 52mph, and 34deg above 94mph (although this can be over-ridden by a button on the centre console).
Inside the car, it is definitely a 2+2 with anyone larger than an average10 year old being severely limited in the rear. However the rear seat-back folds flat to allow a very practical loadspace (providing there are only two occupants). The fit and finish are pretty much spot on, as each car is specially built in Austria at a specialist coachbuilder. Although elements of the 308 are clearly evident, little touches make the interior stand out from its rather less sporting stablemate.
Many people are comparing the RCZ with the Audi TT for obvious reasons, but value for money would have you choosing the Peugeot alternative, as it is around £4000 cheaper and equally as good to drive as a comparable spec TT.
You can read a full report in the next edition of Torque magazine. meanwhile Peugeot are looking to launch the 200bhp petrol version at the end of summer- I’m looking forward to that one!
As a few people are booking test drives - please post your own views on the car below.
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