Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) Review

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Peugeot has given us some of the best cars ever made and it gave us another taste of what it can do in 2010 with the RCZ coupe.

+A revelation on the road with superb handling, THP 200 engine is the pick of the range, available with HDi diesel.

-Lower powered version of 1.6-litre THP engine lacks zest, notchy gearchange, pointless back seats.

Insurance Groups are between 25–42
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

Here is an affordable alternative to the Audi TT that missed none of the German car’s styling flair and was also every bit a match for how the TT drove. Peugeot even managed to cram in a pair of rear seats, not that they are much use other than as extra storage. But who cared when the RCZ looked so good and came with a range of engines that went from frugal to downright fast?

Every once in a while, a car maker will blindside us with a car that we just didn’t expect and the Peugeot RCZ is a great example of this. Launched in 2010 at a time when the French firm’s line-up was, at best, okay, the RCZ was a glimpse of what Peugeot’s designers could do when given a much freer rein than usual.

Suddenly, here was Peugeot rivalling the Audi TT with a deliciously sleek coupe peppered with lovely touches to its design and execution. From the low, squat stance that told you this was a car intended to be fun to drive to the double-bubble roof shape created to make more headroom inside, the RCZ was a hit from day one.

Mind you, it could have all been mouth and no trousers if the RCZ didn’t deliver in the driving stakes. Fortunately for Peugeot and everyone swooning over its looks, the handling of the RCZ was every bit as impressive. It tackled corners with a precision and enthusiasm not seen in a Peugeot since the demise of the great 205 GTI. From behind the wheel of the RCZ, all was well with the world.

Peugeot didn’t stint on the engines, either. Most buyers chose the 156PS 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor that was also used in the contemporary MINI Cooper. It has plenty of verve to make the RCZ quick, fun and also decently affordable to run for a car with such lavish coupe styling.

For those with a more frugal streak, Peugeot also provided its 2.0-litre HDi turbodiesel to keep running costs low and appeal to company car buyers at the time of its launch. Even so, this engine packed 163PS, so it still had one eye very much on dishing up driving enjoyment.

Then, in late 2013 Peugeot gave the RCZ the full-blown engine its driving talents had been crying out for: a 270PS version of the 1.6 turbo petrol. In an instant, here was a coupe you could afford that could also mix with the very best on offer from Germany or Italy.

On top of all this, the RCZ also made a good stab at being more practical than much of the competition thanks to a pair of rear seats. They were a little more spacious than an Audi TT’s, not by much but at least you could fit a couple of children in there for the school run. More importantly, the RCZ comes with a large boot that makes it ideal for a two-person weekend getaway.

All of this adds up to the RCZ being a very important car in Peugeot’s history. How important is demonstrated by it being the first passenger car the company every launched without an ‘0’ in the middle of its name. However, the RCZ more than compensated for that oversight with the large ‘Oh!’ it generated with a raft of customers.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The RCZ is firmer than the average family hatch, but it’s also more than supple enough as you encounter knockabout surfaces

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Handling and ride quality

On the motorway, the Peugeot is stable and lopes along in a way that lets you cover big journeys with remarkable ease.

It turns into any curve with keen grip and holds the line chosen by the driver even if there are mid-corner bumps. It’s helped by steering with more than adequate feel for a car with sporty intentions while also refusing to fidget in your hands or become tiresome when all you want do it cruise home.

For those opting for the RCZ R, all of this is turned up a notch or two thanks to its 10mm lowered suspension and firmer settings, yet it retains a fine element of comfort while also being more focused and agile.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Engines

The RCZ buyer range starts with the 156PS 1.6-litre turbo petrol. It’s a mite underwhelming, but the six-speed manual ’box is light with a notchy shift. You could opt for the automatic that was only available with the 156PS engine, but we wouldn’t bother.

Next is a 200PS version of the 1.6 turbo petrol that sees off 0-62mph in an official claimed time of 7.4 seconds versus the 156PS version’s 8.0 seconds.

The RCZ R has a 270PS motor that serves up a zero to 62mph dash of 6.1 seconds. It feels purposeful yet cruises with excellent refinement.

Take the 163PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and its mid-rev power makes it feel faster than the 156PS or 200PS petrols when making progress on country roads.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Safety

The Peugeot RCZ has twin front and side airbags, and rear Isofix child seat mounts as standard. It also has ESP stability and traction control. There is electronic brake force distribution to make sure the wheel with the most traction does the most braking.

Every RCZ model has standard reverse parking sensors, which were a boon as parking the Peugeot could be tricky due to its low down driving position and high-waisted window line. The GT trim also has door mirrors that automatically dip when you select reverse gear to help spot where kerbs are to protect the RCZ’s alloy wheels.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.6 THP 156 44 mpg 8.3 s 149–155 g/km
1.6 THP 156 Automatic 39 mpg 9.0 s 168 g/km
1.6 THP 200 42 mpg 7.6 s 155–159 g/km
1.6 THP 270 45 mpg 5.9–6.1 s 145 g/km
2.0 HDi 53–54 mpg 8.7 s 130–139 g/km

Real MPG average for the Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

89%

Real MPG

31–55 mpg

MPGs submitted

118

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) interior

Interior Rating
Look closely and you’ll spot some of the plastics share their origins with the Peugeot 308 that was around in 2010 when the RCZ was launched.
Dimensions
Length 4290–4294 mm
Width 1845–2107 mm
Height 1352–1362 mm
Wheelbase 2610–2612 mm

Full specifications

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Practicality

For keener drivers, the Peugeot RCZ’s steering wheel might feel a little on the large side, but it offered a wide range of adjustment, so no complaints on this front. The driving position is also full of movement to make it suit all shapes and sizes.

The driver is provided with ample room for shoulders, elbows, legs and even head. For a coupe with correspondingly low roof line, the RCZ gets round this with its styling trick of the two humps in the roof above the occupants’ heads. It adds vital millimetres to the inside roof and means the Peugeot can easily accommodate taller drivers.

The issues with rear seat space are entirely down to the styling of the RCZ, yet it also endows the car with a large boot. At 384-litres, the load bay is easily one of the biggest among its coupe contemporaries, comfortably bettering the Audi TT. The Peugeot also lets you tip down the rear seat back to free up as much as 760-litres of carrying volume.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Quality and finish

While they will never impart the same sense and depth of quality as an Audi TT’s interior, they are fairly robust and neatly finished.

The only area we can spot that lets down the RCZ’s cabin a little is around the lower edges of the transmission tunnel. Look here and you can see where Peugeot has spared a few centimes.

However, this is nit-picking to large degree and we reckon the RCZ’s cabin is as well made and put together as its main rivals from Germany.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Infotainment

Peugeot launched the RCZ in 2010, which was before the trend for boldly positioned infotainment displays and touchscreens had really taken off beyond the luxury and executive segments. So, the Sport and GT models make do with a simple dash-top display for the stereo and other simple information.

In the headline Asphalt and R models, things improve with Peugeot’s Connect Media Navigation system that has a pop-up screen in the middle of the dash top. Even by the standard of when these models were new, it was dated and a little too fussy to use, so now it seems positively archaic.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) value for money

Value for Money Rating
For the best fuel economy in a Peugeot RCZ, you need the 2.0-litre HDi turbodiesel that delivers an official figure of 54.3mpg. Looking at the Real MPG number, it comes in a 48.7mpg.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Prices

The R model is definitely the most desirable for enthusiasts thanks to its power and performance that make the most of the RCZ’s superb chassis balance.

However, finding one will be the biggest challenge as buyers are now hanging on to this car as it blossoms into a modern classic. As a result, R versions at the £10,000 point are the lower end of this particular car’s spectrum. For a low mileage, pristine model, you’ll be looking at spending closer to £13,500.

At the other end of the spectrum, an early 2010 RCZ with the 156PS 1.6 THP engine can be had for £3500. However, this type of car will have a high mileage, so we’d spend from around £4500 to bag one with 60,000 miles on the clock and a full service record.

Up your budget to around £7500 and a 200PS 1.6 THP RCZ could be yours. It will have around 40,000 miles on the clock for a mid-production life example that’s fit and healthy. This is a sweet spot for the RCZ range as it’s more readily available and cheaper than the R model yet still comes with a zingy turbo petrol engine to make the most of the Peugeot’s many driving attributes.

A Peugeot RCZ from late in the car’s production life will cost you around £10,000 from a franchised dealer. This will bag you a car with low miles and your pick of the engines, including the R.

Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015): Running Costs

The most frugal petrol is the R that delivers a claimed 44.8 and a Real MPG of 42.1mpg, which is a highly creditable 94 per cent of the official number.

A sporty coupe is never going to be the cheapest car to get insured. The least expensive is the 1.6-litre THP with 156PS that starts in group 27. The 200PS version sits in groups 33 to 35 based on which trim you choose. The R is in group 42 and the diesel RCZ resides in either group 29 or 30 dependent on trim choice.

As the Peugeot RCZ was on sale between 2010 and 2015, its road tax is based on different rates to cars built after 31 March, 2017. So, the diesel version is the lowest emitting model at 130g/km to cost £150 per year in Vehicle Excise Duty.

Next best is, perhaps surprisingly, the R model with 145g/km carbon dioxide output to attract yearly tax at £165. The annual tax for the 156PS model is £165 and the auto version £240, while the 200PS version comes in at £205.

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Peugeot RCZ (2010 – 2015) models and specs

The Peugeot RCZ was launched in three trim levels. The Sport came with 18-inch alloy wheels, black-painted roof, twin exhaust pipes, pop-up active rear spoiler, and rear parking sensors. Inside was cloth upholstery, electric windows and a CD stereo with USB port.

The GT added 19-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, and automatic lights and wipers. The cabin gained leather seats with electric adjustment and heating for the front pair. Asphalt trim gets Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery, JBL stereo, Xenon headlights, black brake calipers and a unique Telluric matt grey paint finish.

The R has suspension lowered by 10mm and sits on its own design of 19-inch alloy wheels. There are also larger 380mm brake discs at the front and red-painted calipers. The cabin has its own R shape of sports seat. A Red Carbon limited edition of 300 cars came with metallic black or red paint, matt black roof and black leather seats.

Dimensions
Length 4290–4294 mm
Width 1845–2107 mm
Height 1352–1362 mm
Wheelbase 2610–2612 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1355–1474 kg
Boot Space 309–760 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 20000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Costs
List Price £21,210–£32,250
Insurance Groups 25–42
Road Tax Bands D–H
Official MPG 38.6–54.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2019

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 THP 156 GT 2dr £24,750 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
1.6 THP 156 GT Auto 2dr £25,910 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
1.6 THP 156 Magnetic 2dr £25,355 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
1.6 THP 156 Red Carbon 2dr £26,250 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
1.6 THP 156 Sport 2dr £22,350 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
1.6 THP 156 Sport Auto 2dr £23,260 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
1.6 THP 200 GT 2dr £27,155 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 THP 200 GT Line 2dr £27,505 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 THP 200 Magnetic 2dr £27,745 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 THP 200 Red Carbon 2dr £28,655 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 THP 200 Sport 2dr £24,505 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
1.6 THP 270 R 2dr £32,250 44.8 mpg 5.9 s
2.0 HDi 163 GT 2dr £26,600 54.3 mpg 8.7 s
2.0 HDi 163 Magnetic 2dr £27,190 54.3 mpg 8.7 s
2.0 HDi 163 Red Carbon 2dr £28,100 54.3 mpg 8.7 s
2.0 HDi 163 Sport 2dr £24,200 54.3 mpg 8.7 s

On sale until August 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
GT 1.6 THP 156 2dr £24,750 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
GT 1.6 THP 156 Automatic 2dr £25,905 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
GT 1.6 THP 200 2dr £27,150 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
GT 2.0 HDi 163 2dr £26,600 54.3 mpg 8.7 s
GT Line 1.6 THP 200 2dr £27,500 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
R 1.6 THP 270 2dr £32,250 44.8 mpg 6.1 s
Sport 1.6 THP 156 2dr £22,350 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
Sport 2.0 HDi 163 2dr £24,200 54.3 mpg 8.7 s

On sale until April 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Red Carbon 1.6 THP 156 2dr £26,250 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
Red Carbon 1.6 THP 200 2dr £28,650 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
Red Carbon 2.0 Hdi 163 2dr £28,100 54.3 mpg 8.7 s

On sale until May 2014

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Sport 1.6 THP 156 Automatic 2dr £23,245 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
Sport 1.6 THP 200 2dr £24,495 42.1 mpg 7.6 s

On sale until September 2013

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Magnetic HDi 163 2dr £27,185 54.3 mpg 8.7 s
Magnetic THP 156 2dr £25,350 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
Magnetic THP 200 2dr £27,735 42.1 mpg 7.6 s

On sale until November 2012

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Asphalt THP 200 2dr £29,995 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
GT HDi 163 2dr £25,395 53.2 mpg 8.7 s
GT THP 156 2dr £23,560 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
GT THP 156 Auto 2dr £24,695 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
GT THP 200 2dr £25,945 42.1 mpg 7.6 s
Sport HDi 163 2dr £23,045 53.2 mpg 8.7 s
Sport THP 156 2dr £21,210 44.1 mpg 8.3 s
Sport THP 156 Auto 2dr £22,345 38.6 mpg 9.0 s
Sport THP 200 2dr £23,595 42.1 mpg 7.6 s

Model History

August 2009

First production details announced

The RCZ is both dynamic (the top of the range model features an all new 1.6 litre THP 200PS engine with 275Nm torque) and responsible, offering an innovative blend of performance and environmental-friendliness. With its reduced weight, fine-tuned aerodynamics and modern engine technology, the entry level model has CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.

Due to the special nature of the vehicle, it is built by Magna Steyr in Austria in a production centre that specialises in exclusive vehicles built in small volumes. The RCZ is a compact 2+2 Coupé with a number of key styling features. The “double bubble” of the roof, which was a major talking point of the original concept car, is retained in the production car.

The aluminium “roof arches”, another feature of the concept car, are also retained and help highlight the front windscreen, black roof panel and dark-tinted rear windscreen. At the front the RCZ retains the marque’s characteristic feline look.

The vehicle stands 1.36 m high and, with the optimised airflow due to the double bubble roof, has superb aerodynamics. At the rear, an active rear boot spoiler also contributes to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency; it can be deployed in two positions according to the speed of the vehicle to ensure an ideal balance between road holding and fuel consumption.

1.6 litre THP 200PS six speed manual gearbox – This all new engine allows the car’s chassis to fulfil its true potential. With its maximum torque of 275Nm on overboost and a maximum power of 200PS at 5800 rpm, it enables the RCZ to accelerate from 50 to 75 mph in 6.5 seconds in fifth gear and 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 39.8 mpg with CO2 emission of less than 165 g/km.

1.6 litre THP 156PS six speed manual gearbox or six speed automatic gearbox – This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine achieves a remarkable balance between performance and fuel consumption (40.9 mpg and 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). It was also available from summer 2010, with an all new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox.

2.0 litre HDi FAP 163PS six speed manual gearbox – With a capacity of 1997 cm3, this engine develops a maximum power of 163PS at 3750 rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm). To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) combustion chamber design, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure diesel injection pump with a maximum pressure of 2000 bars and electronic solenoid injectors with eight apertures.

This engine optimises the RCZ’s potential in terms of road holding while limiting its fuel consumption to only 52.3 mpg in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. The RCZ benefits from the already highly efficient suspension set-up found on other platform two vehicles (MacPherson type front suspension and rear torsion beam), but it has been specially revised for the RCZ.

The range options include: a real carbon roof, roof arches in different colours (black chrome, “satin finish”), a range of 18” and 19’’ alloy wheels in several finishes (matt black, polished black, dark grey, diamanté), black lacquered body parts at the front, carbon door mirror covers, bodywork detailing, etc.

September 2009

Prices announced

Range starts at £19,900 with two trim levels. On sale in UK Spring 2010. Entry RCZ 156 THP manual model will start at an on-the-road price of £19,900.

September 2009

Peugeot exhibited a 4WD RCZ Hybrid4

Based on the same power train as the 3008 Hybrid4, it is powered by a 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a maximum power of 163PS and a 37PS electric motor giving a total power output of 200PS, 76.35 mpg and 95 g/km of CO2.

June 2011

Peugeot opened the order books for the limited edition RCZ ‘Asphalt’, characterised by its special matt Telluric grey bodywork. Only 75 right-hand-drive Asphalt LEs are being produced for the UK and all feature a bespoke high level specification over the top-of-the-range GT trim and powered by the accomplished 200PS THP petrol engine.

Distinctive features for this most desirable RCZ include the exclusive Matt exterior Telluric grey paintwork with black roof, ‘Asphalt’ badging, 19” Solstice black alloy wheels, complemented with matching black brake callipers. The interior is equally striking with bespoke ‘Asphalt’ branded and stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, with bespoke ‘Asphalt’ sill covers and floor mats.

Additional standard specification includes front and rear parking aid, auto lighting (with approach and follow me home modes), Peugeot Connect Media Navigation and a top-of-the-range JBL sound system. The RCZ Asphalt is priced at £29,995 and the first orders taken will secure the only 75 RHD cars available.

September 2012

Facelifted RCZ unveiled

Has a new grille accentuated by a lower air intake which is extended on each side by a unique light signature, visible both day and night. This consists of six LEDs, subtly sculpted in the form of claws, behind a smoked lens which blends into a gloss black surround.

The new RCZ has many personalisation components including new lacquered black grille bars option, instead of the standard satin chrome bars and three roof arch colours: Aluminium, Sand or the new Matt Black. A new ‘Black Pack’ groups together the new Matt Black arches and black grille bars with black brake callipers, and black exterior mirrors − components which are all also available separately.

There are three new types of bodywork Decals: a wide gloss black central stripe crossing the vehicle, grey and red lateral stripes on the body sills bearing the word ‘RCZ’, a silver grey off-set stripe crossing the vehicle from front to back plus two Carbon Roof options with a Matt or Satin finish.

Other additions include ten alloy wheel designs, including two new designs - the Sport model has 18-inch wheels and are available in three colours; Classic (standard), Dark Grey (two-tone diamond/dark grey) or Full Pirit Grey (mid grey)

A Sports Pack, standard on the Sport and GT with the THP 200 petrol engine, includes a smaller diameter steering wheel, a shorter-throw gear lever and the ‘Sound System’ feature (available as an option on the THP 156 manual model). The range of colours consists of eight options, two of which are new; to the Opal White, Pearlescent White, Nera Black, Mercury Grey, Charcoal Grey and Dolphin Blue, are added new colours: Bistre and Moroccan Red.

Finally, when the RCZ is fitted with the THP 200 engine the front suspension incorporates bigger hubs and a special lower bracing bar to enhance road handling, making it more agile and aiding cornering stability.

The ‘acoustic signature of the engine’ has also been enhanced aided by ‘Sound System’ technology (standard on the Sport THP 156 manual, and Sport and GT models with the THP 200 petrol engine models). It amplifies the characteristic sound of the engine through a controlled diaphragm that resonates and the vibration noise is louder as the revs of the engine rise during acceleration, while being less pronounced with more regular driving.

The new RCZ is now fitted as standard, with an acoustic windscreen and a Visibility Pack consisting of automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror, guide-me-home lighting and approach lighting on unlocking.

Another innovation offered on the RCZ, the RT6 system now incorporates the Arkamys software which processes the digital audio signal to recreate a natural sound stage. The quality of the sound no longer suffers from the restrictions of the location of the speakers in the doors (which often results in sounds in the lower side areas): the instruments and voices are more harmoniously positioned in the space, facing the occupants, at windscreen level. This system also provides the option of directing the sound for the driver only or for all the passengers.

January 2013

Facelifted RCZ launched

For the UK, the New RCZ retains its popular, two level ‘Sport’ and ‘GT’ range line-up.

RCZ Sport continues with 18-inch ‘Original’ alloy wheels and a host of familiar features including dual-zone air conditioning, rear parking aid and USB box with Bluetooth. This rich specification is enhanced further by the addition of automatic lighting, including ‘Approach’ and ‘Follow-me-home’ features. New options on RCZ Sport include half leather and leather/ Alcantara trim treatments.

At the GT level, the New RCZ is fitted with 19-inch ‘Technical’ alloy wheels as standard. This new wheel is designed to maintain the dynamic visual appeal of GT, while also marking the advent of the restyle with a fresh new look. The dynamism continues into the cabin of GT models with the standard fitment of the interior sports kit, complete with sports steering wheel and gear lever.

Simple leather continues to define the interior of GT with the addition of an optional Cohiba Brown colour, on both simple and integral leathers. Also available as an optional choice are new matt black roof arches – an identifiable and characteristic aspect of RCZ. There are new body transfer decals and more alloy wheel options, demonstrating the continued visual versatility of RCZ and the extensive choice available to customers.

On-the-Road prices for New RCZ Sport start from just £21,595 (an increase of £385 over the current RCZ Sport), with a ‘price walk’ of £2,400 to the New RCZ GT with an On-the-Road start price of £23,995. Deliveries commenced from the second week of January 2013.

November 2013

270PS Peugeot RCZ R goes on sale

Priced from £31,995. First deliveries from January 2014. Inspired by the Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup track car and riding 10mm lower to the ground, the new range-topping two-seater sports coupé is powered by a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine developing 270PS.

The starting point was the engine, still 1.6-litre capacity. With 270PS it is almost identical in output to the Racing Cup car and, with nearly 170PS per litre, sets a record for specific power in the category,

Also new is a specially strengthened six-speed manual transmission, uprated clutch, larger intercooler and new twin-scroll turbocharger. The exhaust has also been modified; linked to the draw of the engine's air intake, it features an enhanced ‘sound system' to amplify the sporting character of the new RCZ R's engine.

The Peugeot RCZ R rides on unique two-tone 19-inch alloys which accommodate new larger four-piston brakes. They feature red calipers at the front bearing the Peugeot Sport name. Discs with a diameter of 380mm and thickness of 32mm are mounted on an aluminium hub, contributing to increased weight-saving and cooling. They are shod in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 235/40 R19 tyres for outstanding road-holding.

The RCZ R will sprint from 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds and accelerate on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The RCZ R is a Peugeot with the aggression of a lion at its heart, measured at more than two seconds per kilometre quicker than the 200PS car at the Nürburgring Nordesshleif. The difference was even greater in wet conditions.

May 2014

RCZ Red Carbon launched

The Red Carbon models are a Limited Edition of 300 models, derived from the Sport model and distinguished with unique badging.

Each model features as standard the Vision Pack – with xenon, directional and self-levelling headlamps, 19-inch 'Solstice' alloy wheels – with their onyx black matt paintwork finish, metallic paintwork in Moroccan Red or Nera Black, complemented by the Black Pack which includes matt black roof arches, brilliant black front grill, door mirror covers and brake callipers.

On the inside, unique Red Carbon black style sports front seats trimmed in ‘Simple Leather’ feature red stitching, as do the Red Carbon style dashboard, sports steering wheel and short shift gear lever.

For in-car entertainment, Red Carbon models are equipped with the Peugeot Connect Navigation (RT6), Audio, CD and satellite navigation system and Peugeot Connect USB Box with Bluetooth connectivity.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

Report of timing chain failure on 2010 Peugeot RCZ at 55k miles. Repair quoted at £5,500. Car has full Peugeot service history. "A couple of weeks ago, with no prior warning signs, the car lost power and cut out while she was on the way to work, refusing to restart. The car was taken to the Peugeot garage that we use and the problem was diagnosed as a failure of the timing chain. The repair bill quoted by Peugeot was in excess of £5500 which is completely unaffordable for us."