Peugeot RCZ revealed

Peugeot has finally released details of the Peugeot RCX, which will launch at Frankfurt

Peugeot has finally released details of the Peugeot RCZ, which will launch at Frankfurt

Peugeot teased us last month with ‘Arty’ photos of the Peugeot RCZ. So we knew it wouldn’t be too long before Peuguot got round to releasing detail on the RCZ (Peugeot hasn’t bothered with the ‘308’ before the RCZ) and now, two years after the Peugeot RCZ turned up as a concept at Frankfurt, we get to see the finished car.

Despite our previous criticisms that the Peugeot RCZ looked like a clone of the old Audi TT, we think it’s a great looking car. It’s a real statement of intent to push Peugeot more towards the ‘Sporty’ and leave Citroen to do the ‘Luxury’. And it looks set to cost less than £20k (as a starting point) when it finally goes on sale next Spring after an official reveal at Frankfurt next month.

Although little changed from the concept, it seems somehow more cohesive as a finished product. The front has connotations of the Karmann Ghia – and it keeps its Zagato-esque double-bubble roof, which can be specified in black, chrome or satin – and you get the option of 18″ or 19″ alloys.

Power comes from a choice of three engines, but the meaty beast is the 200bhp lump from the Copper S. This should give a 0-60mph in around 7.5 seconds and a top speed approaching 150 mph. It’ll average nearly 40 mpg, with emissions of 165g/km.

The 1.6 litre petrol comes as standard with a six-speed manual, but a six-speed sequential auto will be available. This will manage 41 mpg from its 156bhp and emit 159g/hm CO2.

And what will probably be the best seller is the 2.0 litre HDi diesel, which offers 163bhp and a useful lump of torque – 251ft/lbs. It also delivers more than 52 mpg.

As you would expect, there’s lots of detail in the Peugeot RCZ Press Release. And it looks like Peugeot could be on to a winner.

Can’t wait to see how it drives.