Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 156 CV, test drive (part III)

We’ve reached the final part of the test drive of the Peugeot RCZ, a sporty coupé that comes to give the Audi TT a hard time. We already saw in the first part how its 1.6 THP 156 CV engine performs, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, and we also went through its exterior design in detail, one of the RCZ’s most important strengths, as well as its interior, where it stands out for its quality materials and a generous boot.

Nor can we forget that the RCZ is a four-seater coupé, but the rear seats are rather token, since anyone over 1.5 metres will have headroom problems, and getting in and out isn’t easy, though for children they are perfectly valid. And now, in the third part of the test, we’re going to look at the prices, equipment and our overall verdict on the RCZ.

The Peugeot RCZ starts at €29,950 with the 156 CV petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox. A competitive price compared with the German model, and with comprehensive standard equipment.

Equipment

Within the standard equipment, as always, we start with the safety equipment, and in this respect it has a good arsenal: traction control, multiple airbags, stability control, fog lights, among other features. As for Euro NCAP ratings, we can’t tell you anything, since the RCZ has not yet been through the tests, but it will surely achieve a good result.

As for the rest of the standard equipment, it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, the CD-MP3 radio, rear obstacle detection, cruise control/speed limiter, among other features. Our unit also had a recommended extra: bi-xenon headlights that swivel and offer good illumination, which can be very useful if you often drive through towns at night or on difficult roads.

Also worth mentioning in the equipment is the navigation system, which had an internal hard drive, Bluetooth for the phone, 3D mapping and a USB port. All of this was complemented by JBL speakers that delivered a spectacular sound, a recommended extra for the most discerning.

The standard wheels are 18 inches, but given the size of the RCZ’s wheel arches, it’s not excessive to fit 19-inch wheels, which enhance the overall look considerably; they’re also available optionally in black.

Prices

(official data provided by Peugeot as of November 2010)

• RCZ 1.6 THP 156 CV €27,950
• RCZ 1.6 THP 156 CV Auto. €29,850
• RCZ 1.6 THP 200 CV €30,900
• RCZ 2.0 HDI 163 CV FAP €30,900

We also leave you the test data with information on the tested vehicle, optional equipment on our unit, weight, wheel size, wheel brand and price:

Overall Verdict

The Peugeot RCZ was a model we were eager to test, mainly because it was the French brand’s bet on sportiness in a more exclusive segment, and we wanted to find out first-hand whether the Audi TT could really face competition. Well, after the test and having driven it, the RCZ is without doubt a product that can put the Audi TT under serious pressure , because it has solid arguments to back that up.

Many of you may think it’s just a mainstream brand, but with this model the French firm has gone to great lengths to offer good design, good interior quality (based on the 308’s interior) and, above all, a model with excellent road behaviour. As for the engine, we can say that it’s perfect for those who usually opt for diesel for consumption and economy, since it is very flexible, moving the RCZ with agility while not suffering too much in fuel consumption.

Therefore, we liked the RCZ’s handling and engine, as well as its design, but we also have to admit that its price is somewhat high, especially when the Audi TT with a 160 CV engine starts at €32,510.

But certainly it’s a product that measures up and an option to seriously consider if you’re thinking of a sporty coupé. That said, if we look at diesel versions, the advantage goes to the RCZ, since it offers the 163 CV HDI from €30,900.

And we can’t close this test without committing to a comparison between the two; I hope to be able to see these two unique sports cars face to face soon.

Photos | David Taboada