Peugeot RCZ Coupe full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel and 154bhp 1.6 turbo petrol will no doubt appeal to pragmatists, but enthusiasts will head straight for the 197bhp 1.6 turbo. It isn’t exactly blistering off the mark, but the most impressive aspect of this engine is its strong mid-range urge and willingness to rev. The lower-powered 1.6 petrol is also available with a smooth, six-speed automatic gearbox.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The petrol-engined RCZs steer neatly, corner keenly and don’t roll much even when the tyres start to protest. However, you have to put up with a rather jiggly ride. By contrast, the diesel versions feel a tad less sporty and have more in common with a well-sorted family hatchback than a bespoke coupe.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Most of the controls in the RCZ are nicely weighted, and it’s pretty civilised in terms of wind- and road noise. The petrol engines are far from quiet, however, and the raspy exhaust is the same, so you’ll have to decide for yourself whether it’s addictive or simply too loud.

  • Buying & Owning

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The RCZ is priced between the Audi TT and the VW Scirocco, and we suspect its stylish looks and classy interior will make it a much sought-after car. Therefore, resale values should be stronger than those of any other Peugeot. What’s more, running costs will be more akin to those of a family hatchback than an exotic coupe.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The RCZ’s quality is something Peugeot can be rightly proud of. The dashboard has a lavish soft-touch covering, and all the plastics and trim have a premium look and feel. The majority of its controls work with slinky precision, too. Reliability is an area where Peugeot has come in for criticism in the past, so the RCZ will need to improve on its predecessors' record.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The RCZ majors on secure handling, but full electronic stability control is on hand to help out if the worst happens. Four airbags will also help to cushion the blow. An immobiliser, an alarm, deadlocks and remote central locking are all designed to discourage thieves.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Much of the cabin architecture is lifted from the highly praised 308 hatchback. There’s a good range of steering wheel adjustment, although the seats have limited height adjustment. The most noticeable differences are a prominent circular clock and a large button just behind the handbrake, which allows you to elevate the active rear spoiler.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The RCZ does have four seats, but in effect it’s a two seater because the rear ones are next-to-useless for adults – head- and legroom are extremely tight and the rear seatbacks are fixed bolt upright. The rear seats do fold down, but even with them in place the RCZ has a decent-sized boot.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Entry-level Sport models have sports seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, alloy wheels an MP3-compatible CD/radio, USB port and rear parking sensors. GT cars add leather upholstery, electric heated seats, front parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, plus larger alloy wheels.

RCZ rivals

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