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

We continue with the road test of the Peugeot RCZ equipped with the 2-litre HDi diesel engine producing 163 CV. All the details about the behaviour of this engine or of the RCZ, as well as consumption and other performance data, were covered in the first part of the test.

Having looked at everything related to the engine, we now focus a little more on the car: versions, prices and, above all, our overall assessment. We remind you that we also tested this model with the 1.6 THP petrol engine producing 156 CV.

Exterior design, interior and finishes

We will cover this section in a more condensed way, since in the test we did of the Peugeot RCZ we went into greater depth on this topic. Even so, on the outside it is a model that stands out within the manufacturer’s range.

It shares some resemblance with its siblings in the range at the front, but it takes on its own personality with the aluminium arches and that sporty rear end that makes it look like a feline. Nor can we overlook the electric rear spoiler, which can be activated from a button inside.

Finally, on this occasion we tested the RCZ with 18-inch wheels (previously we tested it with 19″ wheels). The ones on the test car are more than enough for the vehicle, and thanks to the smaller wheels we also achieved lower consumption.

In the interior we find a model that is practically a two-seater. Officially it has four seats, but the rear ones are only recommended for a child, emergencies or someone of small stature. On the one hand, access is not comfortable and, on the other, the shape of the glass limits headroom.

However, we liked its 384-litre boot, a size more typical of a compact than of a sports car, more than enough space to carry the luggage of two people or simply to go shopping and store it in the boot without problems.

Finally, the quality of the materials is superior to other models from the brand, but there are still some areas with materials that could be improved. The dashboard takes its base from the one in the Peugeot 308, but gains elegance with the central analogue clock, and in the case of our unit, upholstered in leather, which significantly increases the quality.

Overall assessment: petrol or diesel?

Turning to the overall assessment of the car, we want to try to provide a little more clarity for those who are thinking of buying a Peugeot RCZ and are torn between the entry-level petrol version (THP 156 CV) or the diesel.

Having tested both models, in terms of behaviour, the petrol offers greater smoothness, has more than enough power to enjoy driving the RCZ and at the same time has an interesting usable range, as it starts responding from just over 1,500 rpm up to almost 6,000 rpm.

The 240 Nm of torque is available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, with a strong and progressive pull from low revs. In terms of figures, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h. That said, consumption is considerably lower with the diesel engine.

Now let’s look at the 163 CV HDi diesel. Power delivery is forceful, the pull is much more noticeable than in the petrol (340 Nm of torque), but you will also need to work the gearbox more at low revs and it loses some smoothness compared with the petrol.

Returning to performance, the diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and its top speed is 220 km/h. So in terms of performance both engines are practically level, but of course consumption favours the diesel: roughly 7.5 litres per 100 km for the petrol on the road, versus 6 litres per 100 km for the diesel, according to our tests covering the same route with both vehicles.

Finally, we have the price as an important factor in the decision: the petrol is currently available from 28,900 euros, compared with 31,850 euros for the 163 CV HDi.

So, to conclude, in our opinion one model is just as much fun as the other. The diesel has the plus of lower consumption, which will be appreciated if you do a lot of kilometres each year. The petrol, on the other hand, starts from an advantageous price, and its performance is similar to the diesel’s, being smoother and more progressive.

But in both cases, the Peugeot RCZ is a model that will not bore you on the road. It has a remarkable behaviour, showing a stability typical of similar sports models, to which it has little to envy.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira