Peugeot RCZ GT THP 200 2dr Car Review - June 2013

There are certainly no issues with the 1.6 litre petrol engine included with this model, as it achieves an impressive straight line acceleration from 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds, while the top speed of 146mph means it's more than quick enough for most drivers. However, the steering is one of the more disappointing features in the RCZ package, as it isn't as responsive as it should be, and isn't particularly well weighted either. The firm suspension does ensure that body roll isn't a problem, but it doesn't handle the rough British roads well at all, and all but the smallest bumps and potholes are felt in the cabin.

Because of the short height of the car seat height isn't quite as adjustable as in some other cars, but most drivers should still be able to get comfortable with the steering wheel adjustment available. The centre console is quite intuitive to use while driving, but the fairly thick pillars and rear windscreen does make rear visibility a bit of an issue too.

There is no doubt that the RCZ is an attractive little coupe, and while customisation may not be to everyone's taste, the standard version of the car is attractive enough without playing about with it too much. The typical smile-shaped Peugeot grille is a distinctive feature, while the sleek lines of the car complement the appearance. The contrast colour pillars running along the length of the roof also offer a good look. There are six different options when it comes to choosing your alloy wheels, although the standard set are attractive enough for most people.

Leather seats help to give the cabin a classy feel, while there are also some pleasing electronic features included such as rain sensing wipers and front and rear parking sensors to help provide a premium feel for the interior of the RCZ. There is an option to upgrade the stereo system in the car, but the standard stereo is also quite good, while features such as power heated seats and cruise control help to make the vehicle a pleasant companion on longer excursions.

Most people don't buy their sporty coupe for its practicality, and one look at the rear seats will help you to see that they are either for luggage or small children, as the extremely limited headroom and legroom mean that adults would barely be able to fit in. The boot isn't as small as seen in other similarly sized cars, and those rear seats do fold flat for additional load space.

Peugeot may not enjoy the best reputation for reliability, but the build quality here does suggest that the RCZ is a car that is designed to last. The safety equipment includes front and side air bags, although there are no curtain air bags for whoever does squeeze into the back of the car. Stability control also helps to keep the vehicle under control and heading in the right direction.

With a list price of £26,385, this top end version of the RCZ is similarly priced to some very good coupes indeed, and those looking for a complete driving experience may opt to go for the Volkswagen Scirocco or the Audi TT. Running costs aren't too bad with the 1.6 litre engine offering an average 42.1mpg, while the RCZ's desirability means that it should hold its value well when it becomes time to replace it.

Insurance and tax costs are also likely to be prohibitive for younger drivers, but this is the case for similar cars on the market too. The RCZ is delivered with Peugeot's standard package of a one year roadside breakdown policy and a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty.