Peugeot RCZ-R 2014 Review

Two elements make the Peugeot RCZ-R special. One is shared with other RCZ II models, the other is unique to the R.

No prizes for guessing the number one treat – the one that's shared with other RCZs. The double-bubble roof and rear window of the RCZ is not only gorgeous, but it ‘trademarks’ the car and its design. Just a tiny glimpse of it in the form of an image or even a frame in a video is enough to identify Peugeot’s only sports car.

In the glass and metal, it draws you to the RCZ. The compound curves are such that you want to run your hand over them. I can think of no other mass produced car that has such tactile shapes, nor any other I've felt compelled to lay my hands upon.

For some, this alone will be enough to justify their purchase. For others, my second highlight delivers more tangible benefits – and even better, points to a potential return to hot hatch glory for the troubled French marque.

A powered-up hand-built 1.6-litre turbo four and tweaked running gear that separates the RCZ-R from its lesser brethren. It's also likely to be the powertrain that features in the first proper hot hatch from Peugeot for... Well, too long.

Peugeot has teased us with 308R and given the RCZ-R's eye-watering $69K pricetag, that's the vehicle I kept thinking of all through my week with the RCZ-R.

If Peugeot can transplant the powertrain and dynamic abilities of the RCZ-R into the practical and price-competitive packaging of the next-generation 308, it'll be on to a winner.

Because the engine, gearbox and chassis – and characterful drive of the RCZ-R – are all top-notch.

At 199kW, the 1.6 out-powers some of the 2.0-litre hot hatches on sale today, but (and it's an important but) it does so without any hint of histrionics. Indeed, it’s the combination of the power and robust torque (330Nm) of this engine that surprises.

The claimed 0-100km/h time for the RCZ-R is a rapid 5.9sec; impressive, but there’s a depth of character to this mill that’s equally noteworthy. You’d expect to need to have a big wad of revs onboard to make progress with a powered up 1.6, but in fact it's the midrange of this remarkable PSA developed powerplant that makes the RCZ-R a ‘proper’ driver’s car.

Around town it's clearly torquier and less laggy than our turbocharged 1.7-litre Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV long-termer, and by my own seat-of-the-pants feel, would go close to the low and midrange rpm performance of my favourite Frenchie, the Renault Megane RS 265.

The engine sounds beefier than it should given its capacity. There's plenty of gruff basso in the lower register and then, when you do get a chance to pour on the coals, the engine revs sweetly and with vigour all the way to the limiter.

Of course, the idea is not to let it get there, a task made easier thanks to the well-weighted, accurate and just ‘snickety-so’ six-speed manual gearbox. No dual-clutch in sight, just a good old fashioned combination of a decent gearbox, proper clutch weighting and calibration. Only oddly stepped pedal heights conspire to spoil the party.

Steering is relatively accurate, although on the heavy side, and the suspension settings yield a reasonable compromise of ride and handling. Turn-in, meantime, is quite sharp — the sure sign of potent front-driver. Given Peugeot has had a patchy record of late on this important combination, that the hottest RCZ is as well resolved augurs well. Again, let's get that 308 R into gear, guys.

There's decent grip in and out of corners – thanks to a Torsen mechanical limited slip diff. Not the electro weanies the likes of Volkswagen relies upon. The characteristics of the diff (which delivers proper drive when you need it) mean that the steering is at times compromised — the wheel squirming — as the car searches for grip, but arguably that’s the price you pay for a near-200kW front-driver that works.

If the powertrain and chassis are reasons to be cheerful, alas the rest of the RCZ-R is not totally convincing. The cabin will fit four (yes, we did it) but the rear passengers will not thank you. For two it’s a comfortable and well finished place to be, but despite the addition of leather to the dashpad, it just doesn't feel like a $70K 'office'.

The satnav and audio interface is fiddly. Steering column 'pods' (used for audio and cruise control and the like) are quirky but once learned they proved reasonably effective.

The front seats are the cabin highlight, however. Transplant these to the 308 R too, please…

If I sound underwhelmed regarding the RCZ-R, then apologies. I actually really liked driving the car.

As noted above, the suspension is sorted, it has great vision (for a sportscar) and a boot, which though shallow, that is very usable. Even the fuel economy is respectable… Despite a caning, I got around 8.0L/100km during its stay at motoring.com.au.

The real hamstring of the RCZ-Z is its price tag. Simply at $70K its $10,000 too dear…

2014 Peugeot RCZ-R pricing and specifications:
Price: $68,990 (plus on-road costs)