Peugeot’s stunning RCZ: A £2000 steal, but is it a driver’s dream?
The RCZ, a concept-turned-reality, closely resembled its original design, with sleek lines and a distinctive profile. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite its beauty, was it a driver’s car? The RCZ, based on the 308 hatchback, offered front-wheel drive, which might disappoint some enthusiasts. However, Peugeot’s historical fun-to-drive models like the 106 Rallye and 205 GT proved front-wheel drive could be thrilling. Under the hood, the RCZ boasted a 1.6-turbo petrol engine, shared with Mini, producing 154bhp or a beefier 197bhp variant. And let’s not forget the HDi diesel engine, a popular choice before the oil-burner backlash, delivering 161bhp. Performance-wise, it impressed, with the diesel outpacing the base petrol’s 0-62mph time. But the real question is, did it live up to its sporty looks in the corners?
The RCZ’s handling capabilities were indeed noteworthy. Its front end eagerly attacked apexes, and its grip and balance enabled high-speed cornering. Yet, the steering lacked feedback, and the suspension didn’t quite match the precision of Peugeot’s iconic predecessors. Despite this, the RCZ offered a stylish, well-crafted interior and an affordable price tag. Its popularity soared, especially with the introduction of the RCZ R, a 266bhp beast with performance upgrades. This variant transformed the RCZ into a rapid machine, but some might argue it lacked the tactile feedback of a true driver’s car.
So, was the RCZ a bargain beauty or a compromised driving experience? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. And this is the part most people miss—finding the perfect balance between style, performance, and driving pleasure is a challenging task. What do you think? Is the RCZ a modern classic or a missed opportunity for Peugeot?