Peugeot RCZ2 - A sexy and desirable sports car

THE French certainly have a way with words and Peugeot one of their most respected car makers has rather aptly described their latest RCZ sports coupe as being sensous and sleek for it is arguably one of the most sexy cars in this sector and that includes the formidable Audi TT writes Bryan Longworth.

For Peugeot has just enhanced the RCZ with a makeover the most obvious feature of which is a completely new front face that has given this attractive car even more style and appeal making it that bit more desirable.

The new grille with a lower air intake has a new light signature visible both day and night comprising LED lights in the form of claws behind a smoked lens blending into a gloss black surround.

This new front blends in perfectly with the shapely rear wings and the curves of the “double bubble” roof along with the new headlamps providing the RCZ with a new image that has enhanced its already stylish appearance giving it bags of street appeal.

The test car attracted plenty of admiring glances and comments with some people confusing it with the aforementioned Audi TT which it resembles and some not quite sure what it was thinking it may be some kind of super car costing far more than the £25,835 purchase price because of its stunning looks.

My test car was the RCZ GT HDi 163 with a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing a top speed of 137mph, zero to 62mph time of 8.7 seconds, a combined fuel consumption of 53.2mpg (the computer showed this was around 44mpg) and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

The well designed interior which is really a two seater for the rear seats are rather cramped had comfortable and heated leather seats with very well designed instruments and switchgear and a nice small sports steering wheel although it did not have any controls on it for such features as the radio and on board computer.

The latest RCZ is a very enjoyable car to drive with excellent handling and road holding and the diesel engine offers plenty of power for really sporting motoring through the slick six speed manual gearbox with impressive fuel economy.

At the rear is a roomy load area with a capacity of 384 litres which can be increased to 760 litres with the back of the two rears seats folded and I am sure that most owners will take advantage of this extra load space most of the time.

There is no rear wiper but because of the design of the roof and rear window I noticed that rain water cleared from the rear glass as soon as the car got on the move and rear visibility was never a problem and there is an active rear spoiler that deploys to two positions depending on the speed of the vehicle to help with aerodynamics and stability.

The car benefits from tuned suspension which provides a firm ride that is very evident on poor road surfaces with pot holes after the severe wintry weather but overall the handling of the RCZ helps to provide an enjoyable driving experience.

There is no doubt that the enhancement has helped to make the RCZ an even better looking car and Peugeot should be congratulated on producing such a desirable and competent sports coupe at a time when quite a few rival manufacturers are not being so adventurous with their models.

My Verdict: A sexy and desirable sports car.

Factfile

Model: Peugeot RCZ GT.

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel.

Output: 163bhp @ 4000rpm.

Transmissions: Six speed manual.

Top speed: 137mph.

Acceleration: 0 to 62mph 8.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption: 53.2mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 139g/km.

Price: £25,835.