Tuesday 18th August 2009

Peugeot RCZ Coupe Revealed

Production pics and official specs for Peugeot's Audi TT rival

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Say hello to the Peugeot RCZ, a car that marks 'a dynamic new chapter in the history of Peugeot', according to the blurb that accompanied these first official pics into the PH mailbox.

In fact we've seen bits and pieces of these pics before, as Peugeot sent us cropped versions of the same images back in July, the naughty teases.

What's most striking about the latest announcement is the company's admission that they've been missing a trick by ignoring the performance market in favour of the bland (from a PH perspective at least) middle ground.

"This stunning coupé has been designed to be a special vehicle within the Peugeot range, aimed directly at customers who see their cars as a source of driving enjoyment as well as daily transport," the press release chunters, which we're really quite pleased about even if it does make those of us who enjoy driving sound as though we've all got 'special needs'.

We'll have to wait to drive the RCZ to find out whether Peugeot has genuinely rediscovered its 'mojo', but until then we've got some new tech details to chew over.

The RCZ launch line-up will comprise of three engines, topped by a 200bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder shared with the Mini Cooper S. The range-topper features twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve lift, and variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams.

With a six-speed manual gearbox Peugeot claims a 0-60mph time of 7.6secs, which is hardly going to set your hairdresser on fire.

However, you will get 140mph, and a claimed 39.8mpg on the combined cycle while emitting less than 165g/km of C02, if that's a consideration. Other engine options will include a 156bhp turbocharged 1.6 petrol and a 163bhp 2.0 HDi version.

The RCZ rides on a shared platform from the Peugeot 308, but with a 20mm ride height reduction, a lower anti-roll bar and track widened by 54mm at the front and 72mm at the rear. The COG is 40mm lower too.

The RCZ has a style all its own that's carried over pretty much unchanged from the concept car revealed at Frankfurt two years ago. That means we still get the 'double-bubble' roof (which should appeal to the more prominently-coiffured driver), aluminium 'roof arches', and an active rear spoiler with two positions.

The new coupe will be built at Magna Steyr in Austria, and should cost around £25k for the range-topping 200bhp model putting it head to head with the 197bhp Audi TT. The entry model is likely to come in under £20k.

 

 

 

 

 

[forzaminardi]

Looks OK apart from the Peugeot corporate gob, but hey. I liked the concept and this looks a good 'real-world' interpretation of it. Hardly a rocket ship but if they are as good as their word it in terms of appealing to the more enthusiastic driver, then this could be another little gem to look forward to. I hesitate to describe £25k as 'affordable' but I'm sure depreciation will be precipitous.

I wonder if they'll bring back the chinny bloke and the foxy-yet-oddly-unattractive brunette asking him to fact her in the adverts? God I hope not.

[AndySA]

Must admit I really like the look of this, hope it drives well

[CatherineJ]

I really like it too.

[TheRoadWarrior]

Not really a fan of coupe-cabrios/Audi TTs/softtops in general... but that looks Great! Good job Pug, somehow the big headlight looks really ties that together (Always thought the 207/308 etc look a little awkward)

[SpunkyMonkey]

The rear screen shape looks really nice, but wouldn't it distort your view out of the back?

[Beefmeister]

Come on PH, does this article really need all the 'Hairdressing' comments?

They're a little bit cliched don't you think?

I think the RCZ looks fantastic (dodgy front aside), and really hope Pug have rediscovered their 'something' that used to be so evident in their cars...

[Daz4m]

Beefmeister said:

Come on PH, does this article really need all the 'Hairdressing' comments?

They're a little bit cliched don't you think?

I think the RCZ looks fantastic (dodgy front aside), and really hope Pug have rediscovered their 'something' that used to be so evident in their cars...

I hear you but that thing just looks like a Mk1 TT to me.

[Justayellowbadge]

Is there any Zagato involvement or have they ripped off both the design and nomenclature?

I simply cannot believe anyone would buy a fwd Pug homage over an Audi quattro original at similar money.

Poor, very poor.

Quite pretty though.

[Nightshade]

The car looks pretty, well proportioned, and like all great sexy things- has a great rear. Even the interior looks sleek and modern. But the handbrake looks particularly ugly!

[Beefmeister]

Just been reading some of the comments on Autocar.co.uk, and crikey some people on there are hard to please...

One described it as 'another bland euro coupe' - REALLY?



Anyone who describes that taught, athletic, futuristic coupe as bland needs an eye exam...

[Dagnut]

Beefmeister said:

Just been reading some of the comments on Autocar.co.uk, and crikey some people on there are hard to please...

One described it as 'another bland euro coupe' - REALLY?



Anyone who describes that taught, athletic, futuristic coupe as bland needs an eye exam...

Just looks like a TT.

[stuckmojo]

It looks mid-engined but it's actually FWD. Meh.

[posterboy]

stuckmojo said:

It looks mid-engined but it's actually FWD. Meh.

My eyes!

[t84]

Why on earth did they not make that RWD with an engine in the back? French MR2 anyone?

[Frimley111R]

t84 said:

Why on earth did they not make that RWD with an engine in the back? French MR2 anyone?

Cost.

[Negative Creep]

SO it's a 308 coupe? Someone hold me back.

[Plotloss]

Beautiful.

Now all it needs is a proper engine and a 4WD system.

[BBS-LM]

Audi TT anyone?

[willE36]

Call me mad, but I found it reminiscent of the Cayman and the 350 / 370 Z... Would have been great had it been a fastback.
And 1.6 4cyl 200hp as a range topper?? Really?? I'd have thought it would get a V6... That's the green era I suppose. Although 200hp and FWD are more than enough.

= )

[Beefmeister]

Dagnut said:

Beefmeister said:

Just been reading some of the comments on Autocar.co.uk, and crikey some people on there are hard to please...

One described it as 'another bland euro coupe' - REALLY?



Anyone who describes that taught, athletic, futuristic coupe as bland needs an eye exam...

Just looks like a TT.

What?



It has 4 wheels and a swooping roofline, i'll give you that. But the Pug is a completely different design.

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