RCZ revs up Peugeot range

The striking RCZ coupe from Peugeot was launched in Europe late last week and is headed to Australia in August. It signals a game change for the French maker, which has installed a new company philosophy inspired by a recent top management shakeup.

The RCZ is also the first model to wear the latest Peugeot lion badge; redesigned for the 2010 and onwards range.

Peugeot says the RCZ marks a new stage in the brand's "leisure vehicles" lineup. The model is designed to convey "exclusive emotion", resembling the sexy 308 CC at the front.

The RCZ's flanks and rear styling are especially attractive. Strong, distinctive rear shoulders give the 308-based coupe an appearance of width and the rear windscreen "double bubble" would have to be one of the most standout auto designs for decades.

During the launch in Elciego, Spain Peugeot admitted the rear windscreen styling pushed the limits of its glass manufacturer's abilities.

The RCZ is built at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria: the place of other notable turnouts including Chrysler's 300C and the new Aston Martin Rapide.

Peugeot's decision to produce the RCZ at Magna Steyr was in order to accommodate the quick turnover the company desired after committing it to production at the Geneva show in 2008. The RCZ Concept was displayed at the Paris show late 2007.

We drove the RCZ around Spain's Basque region, taking in twisty, hilly roads where the coupe's sharp steering and front-end grip shone. It feels light and agile, adding to its proclivity for spirited driving.

Three engine options are available; all of which will make it to local showrooms, according to Peugeot Australia. Leading the range is the 200 (for 200 horsepower) model. Its 147kW/275Nm comes via a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a top speed of 237km/h. To suit its sporting role the 200 is only offered with manual transmission, but comes with a shorter shift stick, smaller diameter steering wheel and front-end control cross member. The 0-100km sprint takes 7.5 seconds.

Just half a second slower is the 156 model, when equipped with a six-speed manual. In the 156 tune the 1.6-litre engine is good for 115kW/240Nm and it can be ordered with a six-speed sequential automatic.

A 2.0-litre diesel model is also offered; with manual only. The 163 (or 120kW) has loads of torque (340Nm) and uses just 5.3L/100km.

All engines are Euro 5 compliant. Peugeot says its entire engine range will accommodate the latest EU standards by the end of this year.

The 2+2 seater coupe is comfortable and spacious up front, but the two rear seats are for occasional use only. Typically Peugeot inside, the dash is well-laid out with soft-touch controls and an attractive layout including a standout central timepiece... which is also available as a matching wristwatch!

Peugeot Australia says the RCZ will arrive highly equipped, with luxury features including leather trim, climate control, directional bi-xenon headlights, top-end multimedia system and hill-start assist for the manual models.

Expect a price figure around $60K by the time it arrives later this year.

Visit the Carsales Network again soon for our drive review of the Peugeot RCZ.

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