Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 163 CV, road test (I)

Almost a year ago we got behind the wheel of the Peugeot RCZ. Back then we tested the model equipped with the 1.6 THP petrol engine producing 156 CV, an engine we liked, and overall the car left us a very good impression. But the more sensible version was undoubtedly the 163 CV diesel.

So we set out to test precisely that diesel version, equipped with the 163 CV two-litre HDi engine, and see to what extent it is a whim or, on the contrary, could be a good car for everyday use. Well, today we bring you the road test of this 163 CV diesel Peugeot RCZ.

Engine and performance

The test unit was fitted with the two-litre HDi engine capable of delivering 163 CV, a fairly recent engine, developed on the basis of the well-known 140 CV two-litre. The most notable aspect of this engine is its power delivery, more than sufficient and forceful for the RCZ, as well as its fairly frugal consumption.

It responds from 1,800–2,000 r.p.m., it is not especially progressive but stands out for its power delivery, since it pushes hard and moves the car with great ease. That said, we often have to work the gearbox to get the most out of it, as low revs are not its strong point.

In sporty driving we have a narrower usable range (2,000–4,000 rpm) and it is somewhat harsher than the petrol engine, but in return we gain a significant saving in fuel.

Paired with this engine was a six-speed manual gearbox whose feel is correct but still improvable in terms of precision, especially in a car of this kind. As an option, the RCZ can be fitted with a shorter gear lever for sport enthusiasts.

Handling

Having tested two versions of the Peugeot RCZ, we can speak about this section with far more precision. We also tested the petrol version on the track, and the results were outstanding in terms of stability, cornering and agility.

It has a very well calibrated chassis, which, combined with firm suspension settings, means the RCZ behaves excellently on winding roads or in more spirited driving. At the same time, on the open road it is a comfortable vehicle.

Where we notice the car’s sporty character is on poorer road surfaces, since the suspension and low-profile tyres reduce the RCZ’s comfort. Even so, for our everyday use it is a very capable car that devours kilometres, since comfort on the highway is high.

The steering is quite firm, entirely sensible on a car like this and well judged for almost every situation. Only in town, when manoeuvring, does the firmness feel excessive, but otherwise it suits the car well.

Finally, we have the braking system, Peugeot has always stood out for its good brakes (the Peugeot 308 is one of the best-braking cars in its class, and the famous, sought-after brakes of the Peugeot 407 Coupé), and the RCZ is no exception. The car’s four disc brakes perform their job remarkably well, stopping the RCZ effortlessly and very effectively.

Fuel consumption

One of the arguments that convinced us most about this diesel version of the RCZ is precisely its consumption, because it has an engine similar in performance and punch to the petrol, but with considerably lower consumption, which allows for greater economy of use.

On the motorway during our usual 1,200 km route we achieved a consumption of just 5.3 litres per 100 km. On country roads it settled at around 6 litres per 100 km, and in town the figure rose to 8 litres per 100 km, a rather good number.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira