Nobody expected too much when Peugeot confirmed an RCZ R back in 2013. The standard car had always seemed more about showroom style more than driving substance, and at that point Peugeot hadn't made a great car in yonks. This was pre-308 GTI, remember, and before Peugeot Sport got their hands on the 208 GTI. 'R' was a badge never before seen on a Peugeot, and, as it transpired, one never to return, either. Hopes were high but expectations were low because, to be frank, that's all the manufacturer's reputation warranted at the time.
The spec sheet for the RCZ R gave some cause for positivity, however. Not only had an enormous 270hp been squeezed from just 1.6-litres (making it still the most powerful production engine of that capacity), Peugeot Sport had completely overhauled the car it was plumbed into. Wider, lower, and stiffer was par for the course, but the car also added Alcon brakes, forged Mahle pistons, and, most importantly, the Torsen limited-slip diff the standard model sorely lacked.
The impression of a more serious prospect was borne out on the road, the RCZ R righting all manner of wrongs. Here was a Peugeot coupe that was exciting and involving to drive, at last, fizzing with feel and no little pace. There was nothing to adjust and not even an automatic option, just a focused chassis, six-speed manual and frantic four-cylinder to provide the thrills. And that was more than enough, Peugeot Sport proving their credentials from the get-go - the RCZ R, like the Renaultsport Megane it was benchmarked against, could reward however you wanted to drive it.
But great wasn't good enough for the RCZ R. Peugeot initially predicted selling around 300 a year in the UK, but that became the total figure sold here. A price above £30k was probably hard to overcome for some; the driving experience merited it, but with cars like the rear-drive Toyota GT86 and Nissan 370Z available for less money the Peugeot always had a tough fight on its hands. Not least when cars like the Audi TT and BMW M235i offered premium badges and the upmarket interiors to go with them.
Buyer reticence when new has made the RCZ R a rare sight these days - this is the only one currently for sale on PH. As a result, you'll pay for the privilege of owning one, too, the £19k being asked for this one is quite some way from their pre-Covid price, when cars were available at £12k - and two years newer than they are now. Still, that's the way used cars are at the moment, and with Peugeot having given up on coupes, front-wheel drive fast cars and most things performance related, a car like the RCZ R won't happen again. This one has covered just 39,000 miles since 2015, and looks in good condition for it. One word of warning, however - it would be worth knowing if the Alcon brakes have been replaced or are due a renewal soon, as they can be enormously expensive.
Otherwise, the RCZ has plenty recommend it. Here's a Peugeot surely destined for classic status that's rare, stylish, fast, and great to drive. Maybe it won't ever be revered like some of the earlier GTIs, but for proving that Peugeot could still make memorable front-wheel drive cars, the R deserves its plaudits. Even if too few people know of them first-hand.
SPECIFICATION | PEUGEOT RCZ R
Engine: 1,598cc, 4-cly turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 270@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 243@1,900-5,500rpm
MPG: 44.8 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 145g/km
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 39,044
Price new: £31,995
Yours for: £19,000
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