To Buy or Not to Buy: The Peugeot RCZ

During recent years, Peugeot manufacturers have struggled to live up to their own brilliant history. New Peugeots have fallen short in many areas where past models thrived, and the company has taken great strides to turn their reputation back around. Their latest effort has been the RCZ, which they hope will be seen as a model that is both interesting and entertaining to drive.

What makes this car so special? For one thing, it’s the first passenger car by Peugeot that doesn’t have one or two ‘0’s’ in its name. Let’s take a look at what else it offers though.

The Peugeot RCZ: Design

With its rear window, double-bubble roof, and Peugeot nose, the RCZ’s design is something you’ll either love or hate. However, these details are what make the car a Peugeot; they are its identity.

This vehicle comes with a rear spoiler, which has two phases. The first comes out automatically when the car reaches 53mph and is set at 19 degrees. When the car slows down to 34mph, it is retracted again. If you’re in the mood for speed and reach 96mph, the second phase deploys at 34 degrees. As the driver, you can also control the wing.

Unfortunately, every car has its issues, and when it comes to the RCZ, a big issue is space. The low roofline leaves little room in the rear seat, despite the cleverly shaped windows.

A Look at Performance

For many individuals who aren’t concerned with power, the eye-catching visual appearance may be all that’s needed to convince a buyer it’s worth the price. However, for those of you who look past the exterior and aren’t interested in the Peugeot parts under the bonnet, you may be left wanting.

That’s because this coupe offers little in the way of power, with a 154bph 1.6 petrol engine, and the drop-off point for peak power is very noticeable. That’s not to say it isn’t an enjoyable ride. Once you get going, the RCZ is entertaining and preppy. There is little lag, low revs, and is always willing to go a little more- at least until you reach 60mph (which only takes 8.4 seconds from a standstill.)

Once you’re beyond 60 mph, it becomes very obvious that the power is just not there. It takes longer to reach higher speeds from here; pushing 20mph more takes another 5.9 seconds if you leave the car in third gear.

So, what does driving this vehicle actually feel like? In many regards, like quality, texture, and handling, it’s a car that receives incredibly average reviews. However, other aspects of its drive and handling stand out. Like its grip, which can handle even the most enthusiastic of driving. It’s balance is said to be distributed 64%/36% in the front and back. However, it feels much more balanced then that, giving the impression that it could handle a lot more power than its 154bhp engine allows for.

Running Costs: Buying Petrol and Repairing Peugeot Parts

Peugeot isn’t exactly open with its claims on how much servicing and repairing the RCZ’s car parts will cost, but given what is located beneath the bonnet, repairing or replacing these Peugeot parts should cost no more than another other Peugeot would.

Another bit of good news when it comes to cost is the long gearing fitted within the RCZ. This gearing has improved the fuel economy of the car, giving it a claimed economy of 11.7mpl.

Thinking of purchasing a new car? While the Peugeot RCZ may not stand out from the pack, it is a stylish, reliable choice that could provide you with years of unfailing service.