2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
There are cars that you look for. The Peugeot RCZ belongs to this category. The French not only looks good, but also offers excellent driving performance, as our driving report shows.
By Silke Koppers
Even cost-conscious drivers in Germany like things to be sporty and comfortable at the same time. But if you look for a corresponding object with sex appeal, you will mostly only see the Audi TT on local streets. A Peugeot RCZ rushes past you less often, but it is no less attractive. This applies not only to its appearance, but also to its price: From 27,650 euros you can burn through with the French with a 115 kW / 156 hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine. He makes it cheaper than the Ingolstadt for almost 3,000 euros.
Muscular body
But whoever binds himself, if not forever, but for some time, checks a lot more than the price and looks for a catch. But even at second glance it must be attested: the 4.29 meter long Peugeot RCZ is classy and sensitive at the same time. With its double arching in the roof and rear window, the body has a discreetly muscular appearance, while the dynamic design conveys athletic sportiness. The look is right, but what about the comfort? The front-wheel drive doesn't lack that either. This is noticeable as soon as you get in: Despite a low height of 1.36 meters, the elegant 2 + 2-seater can easily be seated, a limbo dance is not necessary and even those suffering from back pain can sit down here gently.
The next moment of pampering is the interior. The materials look high quality and well made, everything is designed to be optically and haptically pleasant. Double stitching, chrome and aluminum inserts, piano lacquer in the center console and the optional nappa full leather interior are well-balanced, everything together has a calming effect without being boring.
The driver and front passenger sit on strongly contoured seats with sufficient lateral support. While the feeling of space in the front is airy, the two emergency seats in the rear are hardly more suitable than for the luggage rack. For this, the Frenchman has a trunk volume of 321 liters, 31 liters more than the Audi TT's competitor. Thanks to the flexible rear seats, the transport option increases to up to 639 liters.
Convincing engine
So far, so good, then the hook will be under the hood? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. The four-cylinder petrol engine developed in cooperation with BMW impresses with its even power delivery, runs cleanly and smoothly. That's enough to drive effortlessly and sportily. The device also does not tend to make you feel thirsty. Depending on the pace it takes around seven liters, but in a more violent battle it can take up to ten liters of premium gasoline. But when accelerating from zero to 100 km / h in 8.3 seconds, which is not too fast, you are gently pushed into your seat as if by a lover. Anyone expecting a roaring roar or a pithy engine sound will be disappointed.
The serial Frenchman is not up for such whacking. However, the RCZ is a bit corruptible, for 320 euros it lets a sound generator do the potency that everyone can perceive. This makes it clear what the six-speed gearbox with the pleasantly short manual transmission translates from the engine to the front wheels.
The chassis is almost optimally tuned for all gaits, mostly sporty and firm for cornering, it still offers enough comfort and absorbs bumps. This means that the Coupé not only qualifies for the fast number, but also for the longer ride. A constant companion is the precise steering, which can be relied on in all situations, including when parking. The only good thing is that the extensive standard equipment also includes parking sensors at the rear. Because the attractive RCZ is unfortunately not clearly arranged there. But if you want to run away, look ahead anyway. (mid)
