Looking for a halo
29 June 2010 00:00:00
Seen in the flesh, the Peugeot RCZ is the kind of car that will cause people to do double takes and maybe even pull their mobile phones out to take a picture. Long, low and possessing some of the nicest curves in the car world, this is one Peugeot that could justifiably draw more attention than driving a Porsche. Yet, the beginnings of the car are much more mundane.
Back in 2007, Peugeot’s designers were trying to come up with a new look and a new concept to stretch the boundaries of the brand while using existing mechanical components. Once such idea was for a pick-up/coupe hybrid that had a strong cab forward design and high sides. This morphed into the concept RCZ because once the basic lines were drawn; they decided that it would look so much better as a closed coupe.
After a whirlwind development programme, the production RCZ is now ready with Peugeot committing to an initial volume of 17,000 units per year. That may seem like small potatoes but bear in mind that this car doesn’t need to sell in huge volumes to make money. Why? Because it shares a lot of components with the 308 hatch.
You wouldn’t guess that just by looking at the RCZ. There is some family resemblance at the front but the rest of it is totally unrelated to any other current Peugeot. Incidentally, this is also the last iteration of the ‘big mouth’ grille, as the next generation of cars will use a new design language.
The design feature that gets the most attention is the double bubble roof that harks back to Le Mans racers of the 1960’s. There is no practical application for it in the RCZ but rather unusually, the design feature extends to the rear glass. It looks fantastic though one can only imagine the nightmares that the glass supplier was going through to cast such a special looking piece.
The rear end is also interesting in that it has a long boot section and an extravagantly muscled rear haunch that in profile at least, makes it look like the RCZ may even be mid-engined. Would it be stretching it to call this a nicer looking car than the Audi TT?
Beneath the sexy metalwork though are familiar 308 underpinnings. That means a 2612mm wheelbase and the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. The engines are the same too as the petrol models use the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from the 308 Turbo and GT models. Peugeot also has a 2-litre turbo diesel version, but this is unlikely to come to the ASEAN region.
The pick of the range as far as petrol heads go is the 1.6 THP 200. As the name suggest, it uses a 200bhp version of the petrol engine and also has a strong 275Nm from 1700 to 4500rpm. Power is directed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual and for now, this is the only gearbox option offered.
Inside though, things are a lot more muted. The dashboard and instrumentation would be familiar to anyone who has spent some time inside a 308 hatch. Glossy black plastic inserts are preferable to fake wood while the sporty seats, leather wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and nicely located gear lever locate the driver in a very comfortable driving position. It may be more functional than sexy but at least it works well and seems to be well built. You can forget the rear seats though. The RCZ may be a 2+2 coupe but those at the back will need to be either kids or vertically challenged as the low roof eats up headroom.
On Peugeot’s suggested test route in the Basque region of Spain, the RCZ proved to be a fun handling car that will put a smile on the face of even the most hardened motoring scribe. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted while the stiff body allows for suspension rates that are hard enough to resist roll yet never harsh over bumps. Add in strong brakes, lots of grip from fat 235/40 R19 tyres and handling that remains neutral even at three figure speeds and you have a car that inspires confidence.
Note however that this isn’t an out and out sportscar or even a rival for the current range of ‘super hot hatchbacks’. You can’t go baiting a Scirocco R or Megane Coupe RS250 with the RCZ, but then you also don’t get the same manic and tiring drive. Instead, this is a car that is capable at delivering thrills when you want them yet has enough refinement and comfort to cover long distances at a time.
Part of the credit has to go to the engine and gearbox combination. With peak torque spread out over such a wide range, changing gears is optional on winding roads Leave it in fourth and the car will feel quick at any speed between 60-140km/h. You can of course drive it like you would a typical hot hatch, but the 0-100km/h time of 7.5secs seems laughably slow as the the RCZ feels much faster. Keep your foot planted and Peugeot says that a 237km/h top speed is reachable, which is plenty fast for such a long slung car.
I would say that in summary, it’s the RCZ that is a necessity for Peugeot. With rivals Renault getting rave reviews for their Renautsport range and sister brand Citroen dominating the WRC, Peugeot was in danger of being branded as the staid stepsister of French carmakers. A car like this is a break from tradition for them and it’s so revolutionary that it’s also the first Peugeot that doesn’t carry the ‘0’ in its name.
Whatever their reasoning, the fact of the matter is that the RCZ is a brilliant little car to drive with sensational looks that will really lend a hand in boosting Peugeot’s image in the ASEAN region. It truly defines what a halo product should be and the fact that it’s based on such readily available mechanical components means that there is a good chance that many of us will be able to afford it when it when it becomes available. Now isn’t that a nice thought?
FAISAL SHAH
Peugeot RCZ GT 1.6 THP200
VITALS
0-100km/h: 7.5 sec
Top speed: 237km/h
ENGINE
Engine Layout: 4 cyls, 1598cc turbocharged, petrol
Power: 200bhp at 5500rpm-6800rpm
Torque: 275Nm at 1700rpm-4500rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4287mm
Width: 1845mm
Height: 1359mm
Wheelbase: 2612mm
Kerb weight: 1421kg
Fuel tank: 55 litres
Real-world range: 792km
AT EACH CORNER
Front Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, stabiliser bar
Rear Suspension: Torsion beam, coil springs, stabiliser bar
Brakes Front: 340mm ventilated discs
Brakes Rear: 290mm solid discs
Wheels: 8.5x19in, alloy
Tyres: 235/40 WR19
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