Hands up, we've made quite a big deal about the Peugeot
RCZ R
. The spec is really encouraging, those developing it are proper
car blokes
and, from most angles at least, it looks great.
This is from 6pm Monday to 9pm Tuesday...
The extensive list of modifications for the R fills us with hope too because, to be frank, the regular RCZ 200 needs them.
Having not driven an RCZ previously and with the R launch just a few weeks away, the Peugeot Sport rendezvous seemed like a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the standard car. As it transpired, thanks to a forgotten passport and a navigational mishap, the RCZ and I covered 879 miles in 27 hours earlier this week. Acquainted? We're practically related now!
I wanted to like the RCZ. Everyone does, don't they? The double-bubble roof, that pert little bottom, a beautiful interior and the fact it's a sub-£30K coupe that isn't from the VW group all count in its favour.
Stops only when very necessary!
Unfortunately a combination of detail flaws do their best to destroy your goodwill. The clutch is set too high, which buddies up with a very long gearbox throw to make changes far more awkward than they need to be. On 19s and away from the autoroute, the chassis thumps through minor undulations uncomfortably. And the steering , whilst accurate and geared quite nicely, just doesn't offer much back through the rim.
These issues force your attention away from the RCZ's positives. Though the engine has been around for a while, it still spins up really sweetly and always feels punchy enough. Allied to some fairly short ratios (third is only good for about 75mph), it always feels eager in any gear. Those wheels use big tyres that offer plenty of grip too, the RCZ turning in really quickly and accurately. Even after averaging just over 30mph for more than a day, the seats were still comfortable and the interior, despite a few ergonomic gripes, still a lovely place to be.
Standard car not brilliant; could this be?
And yet, even after our epic adventure, the RCZ annoys more than it pleases. Which is especially frustrating when the fundamentals seem OK.
This means I'm still clawing on to some hope for the R. The steering hasn't been touched, which is concerning, but the prospect of a diff and extra power is exciting. Furthermore, with completely overhauled suspension parts and geometry, plus lighter wheels on Goodyear Eagle F1s (rather than Continentals), the assumption has to be that the ride and handling will be transformed. I hope so.
The launch is in Nice next month. I've packed my passport already.