Peugeot RCZ Sport THP 156 2dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

The force behind the RCZ Sport is a powerful 6-cylinder, 16v 1598cc petrol engine which produces a maximum of 156bhp. It responds best when revved hard and rewards you with a really sporty ride, delivering 180 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm. This is a true reflection of its sporting power. A 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 133mph, though no match for the class topping Audi TT, are fast enough.

Superb handling and great response make the RCZ fun to drive. The car has plenty of grip and remains steady in corners, without a hint of body roll. Suspension is supple but huge bumps will trigger a jerky movement. The ride will be firm on rough roads but on the average smooth road, it is quite soft and enjoyable. Steering is precise and quick, with lots of feel.

The engine is noisy and the exhaust is quite loud but the cabin is well-insulated against wind and road noise. Visibility is good on all sides.

The RCZ is a striking, 2-door 4-seat coupe. A distinct, curvy nose forms the front and is defined by large, angular headlights and a wide grille. Aluminium roof rails emphasize the car’s good looks and give it a luxurious image.

The interior is as beautifully designed as the exterior, with exquisite soft-touch materials used to give the cabin an expensive look and feel. A large, circular clock on the facia gives the interior a touch of classy appeal. The layout is neat and unique; the result of which is a cabin that is more stylish than the Audi TT’s.

The RCZ Sport comes well-equipped for an entry-level trim. Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, rear-parking sensors, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, alarm, immobiliser, CD player, USB port, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth are all standard.

Cost options include sat nav worth £1,470 and metallic paint worth £440.

The Peugeot RCZ is one of Peugeot’s best cars ever. It has not been in the market long enough to elicit conclusive remarks about its reliability. However, the engine is based on previous Peugeot models which performed well in the market.

While the RCZ does not feel as well-built as the Audi TT, it is not poorly constructed. Plus with Peugeot’s long-standing presence in the market and a 3-year warranty up to 60,000 miles to take care of any mechanical problems that arise, you really have nothing to worry about.

The RCZ is yet to undergo the Euro NCAP crash test, but it is fitted with all the crucial safety and security features needed in a car. All indications are that it will get a good rating when it finally gets tested.

The cabin front is spacious enough for two, but rear space is too small. There is very little head and legroom, and even taller children will be uncomfortable back there. Boot space is quite big for a coupe, at 309 litres.

It will be easy for you to find a good driving position, thanks to a range of adjustments for both rake and reach on the steering wheel. The driver’s seat can be adjusted for height but to a limited level. The pedals are well-positioned, as are the controls.

The RCZ is one of the most competitively priced coupes in the class. Its visual appeal and good performance, coupled with demand for used coupes may result in strong resale values for the RCZ. Only time will tell.

Except for insurance which may be slightly high, seeing as the car is categorised under insurance group 28, other operating costs will be low. At 44.1mpg, fuel economy is good for the class. Carbon emissions average 149g/km, and are decent for the class. Consequently, the car is placed under road tax F which costs £130 in VED annually.

Visits to the service centre will be far apart, thanks to the lengthy service interval of 20,000 miles, which means fewer maintenance expenses for you.