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12/11/2010, 16:43
By DEREK OGDEN
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There's something slightly oxymoronic about the words ‘comfort’ and ‘sports car’. Without shelling out the equivalent of the national debt it’s often hard to reconcile the two. Even the most aristocratic (and expensive) of the ilk can have foibles that sports car lovers are prepared to put up with for the sake of a true sporting experience. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean comfort should come at the expense of driving excitement.
Now French automobile manufacturer Peugeot has hit the jackpot with its new RCZ 2+2 Coupe, a car the term ‘wow factor’ could have been penned for. It’s spectacularly looking, comfortable to sit in, fun to drive and economical to run . . . oh, and it costs just $54,990, plus on roads, up to half the price of the Audi TT, the car it most resembles. And if confirmation were needed, the Gallic coupe was voted a cracker by tyre kickers at this year’s Australian International Motor show, naming it Car of the Show on looks alone.
At first glance the RCZ, with cab forward stance and retro design, appears very much like the Audi TT. However, on a closer look, a double bubble roof and rear windscreen, offset by two aluminium arches, produce distinctive features, setting it apart from its German counterpart. It is also the harbinger of exclusive Peugeot models to come all promising, says the maker, distinctive character built on strong personality, innovation and motoring enjoyment.
Based on Peugeot’s Platform 2, the cornerstone of the 308 and 3008 ranges, with reduced weight, leading edge aerodynamics (Cd 0.32) and the latest engine technology, the RCZ sets a high standard. Three powertrains are on offer – a 1.6 litre 147kW turbocharged four-cylinder mated with a six-speed manual transmission (the test vehicle); 1.6 litre 115kW turbo with Tiptronic six-speed auto and 2 litre 120kW turbo-diesel with six-speed manual. All maintain Euro V emission standards.
Around the corner, we are told, is a Hybrid4 model which sports a 2 litre turbo-diesel engine in front and a 27kW electric motor out back. With a potential power output of 147kW, carbon dioxide emissions are kept down to 95g/km. The test car’s 147kW comes in at 5500rpm, producing acceleration from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 7.5sec, which puts it mid range in its class. However, 275Nm of torque on tap at 1700rpm (with overboost) makes for surprisingly good overtaking, even in sixth gear.
Average fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle is put at 6.9 litres per 100km, which is attractive in anyone’s book, while CO2 emissions are 159g/km. Engine ‘tuning’ has taken on a new meaning here with engineers playing the exhaust like a musical instrument, the engine acoustics, hence the note, changing according to the rate of acceleration. Other little pieces of wizardry include Hill Start Assist which holds the brakes on on an incline until the foot is taken off the foot brake and shifted to the accelerator pedal.
Then there’s an active rear spoiler which is designed to ensure the fine balance between fuel consumption and road holding. It deploys in one of two positions according to the speed of the car. The first (19 degrees) comes into action at speeds of more than 85km/h; the second (34 degrees) is operable at speeds in excess of 155km/h, returning to position one at 145km/h. Thoughtful.
At the other end, an active bonnet is designed to lessen the effects of impact on a pedestrian. When sensors detect a collision, a pyrotechnic system activates the bonnet hinges raising it 55mm in 0.1sec.
Active safety is taken care of by an Electronic Stability Program which incorporates Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. For the more adventurous driver, all can be disconnected by pressing an ‘ESP Off ‘switch. Automatic self levelling bi-xenon headlamps provide light three times the intensity of standard lights, while these can be upgraded with a directional option that improves vision when cornering. Ride and handling of the car builds on that of the 308, which already has left a positive mark with drivers. Lower ride height and centre of gravity, and wider stance, only add to the stability, hence the behaviour expected of a sports car. Ventilated disc brakes are bigger too, giving confidence in stopping.
Rack-and-pinion power assisted steering is pleasantly direct and is weighted according to the speed of the vehicle. Sold as a compact 2+2 coupe, the RCZ has cramped legroom for rear passengers – seats are little more than a parcel shelf - but with the seat backs folded flat, boot luggage carrying capacity is almost doubled from 384 litres to 760 litres. Supportive sports seats are clothed in classy Nappa leather with contrasting double stitching.
A small driver’s footwell means there is pinched pedal space and, what’s more, they are offset and take some getting used to.
All RCZ variants share a tasty manufacturer’s list price of $54,990. The test car sported an optional Monaco Pack ($2700) consisting of 19in wheels and a premium JBL audio system with eight-channel amp and directional bi-xenon headlamps with washers. With the RCZ, Peugeot may have dropped its traditional O/double-O model designation, signalling a new era in product, but it has surely been replaced by the Oh! factor.
PEUGEOT RCZ 1.6 LITRE PETROL ENGINE:
Type: 1.6 litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Four/four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 1598cc
Bore/Stroke: 77/85.8
Fuel system: Petrol direct injection/twin scroll turbocharger
Maximum power: 147kW/5500rpm
Maximum torque: 275Nm/1700rpm (with overboost)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100km/h:
7.5sec
Max speed: 240km/h limited
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.9 litres/100km; CO2 emissions, 159g/km (Euro V)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4287mm
Wheelbase: 2596mm
Width: 1845mm
Height: 1362mm
Turning Circle: 10.9m
Mass: 1372kg
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Towing: 500kg (with braked trailer)
RUNNING GEAR
Front axle: McPherson strut type, anti-roll bar
Rear axle: Semi-independent .Torsion beam
Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front and rear ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist
Steering: Rack-and-pinion power steering
Wheels: 18in front and rear
Tyres: 235/45R18W
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