Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200KM - date with passers-by

I can start my report on the week spent with the Peugeot RCZ with one word - finally. Why? For simple reasons.

My fascination with this model dates back to 2008 when I first saw a rendering of a car called the Peugeot 308 RCZ. The impression they made on me can only be described as electrifying. A massive air intake at the front, a large hood, a rapidly falling roof with two large bulges and a pampered rear end. Plus, I'm XNUMX% sure I'll never see him on the street.

However, the year 2010 came, official production started, the first buyers received their cars. I still only take pictures - it was in vain to look for a new Peugeot on the Polish streets. I don't ask questions about driving, suspension or anything like that. I'm pale in love with the shapes - as if the RCZ was an exceptionally beautiful model.

December 2010 brings some details. My jaw drops at the sight of a new lion on display in one of the malls. I am even more fascinated. Spoiler, silver bars, excellent proportions - in fact, it looks even better than on a computer screen.

2011 proved to be a time to absorb this platonic love. After seeing a white copy at a local car show, it's time to spend a week behind the wheel of the powerful 200-horsepower Peugeot RCZ in Tourmaline Red.

These tests are the hardest. You get into a car that you are absolutely in love with and pray that everything will actually be the way you imagined it to be. So far, the RCZ hasn't let me down a millimeter.

The driving position is very low due to the low height of the car. You literally rub your buttocks on the asphalt and, without even having time to do it, fall into the abyss. Sports bucket seats surround you. Adding to the uniqueness is the Peugeot logo, imprinted in the place where the headrest is usually located. With my height less than 180 cm, I had no problem getting into a seat - but, I must admit, without hurting that ... my seat was pushed as far forward as possible. Only then did I sit comfortably. Therefore, short people may have problems.

What's on the back? Two seats, two seat belts and two roof overhang to give passengers more headroom. But they forgot about the legs ... The front seats are not too inclined to move closer, as a result of which the limbs of passengers in the back are crushed. There is so little space there that if they committed hara-kiri, they would not even have to reach into their pockets for a dagger. Checked, tested - successfully shoved four people into the RCZ.

Let's stay inside for a moment. Sitting in your seat, you see the interior of the family Peugeot 308. Almost. On the contrary, the RCZ has a watch with such fashionably centered hands, a comfortable steering wheel with a flattened bottom and a model name placed there, as well as very sporty and elegant seams. The materials also need to be given a well-deserved verdict - soft to the touch and of sufficient quality.

If you think this is the end of the rapture, you are wrong. Time for the engine and gearbox alone. Under the hood is a 200-horsepower unit - it is impressive mainly because so many horses were squeezed out of the engine by only 1.6. 7,5 seconds is enough to accelerate the RCZ weighing almost 1300 kg to 100 km/h. It may not burn a hole in the brain, but it is too fast in the city and on the highway.

By the way, we must not forget about good flexibility. The RCZ responds vigorously even in higher gear. Economy - it all depends on the driver. During tests for 200 km of the Bialystok-Warsaw route, fuel consumption of 5,8 l / 100 km was achieved - only 0,2 l more than stated by the manufacturer. It was not the most dynamic ride of my life, but simply prescribed. At 70 km / h, driving in top, sixth gear, cruise control, straight and straight road, instantaneous fuel consumption was ... 3,8 l / 100 km. Let me remind you - this RCZ has a capacity of 200 km.

Let's devote a moment to the gearbox itself. It would be a sin not to write a few more words about her. It works very beefy and gives the driver the feeling of driving a real sports car. You feel like you are shifting gears. Here we easily find the confidence that older Peugeot models lacked. You can only pay attention to the stroke length of the jack - it could be shorter.

Several features of a sports car have already accumulated - a stunning appearance, a sporty interior with almost bucket seats, a low driving position, a powerful engine and an excellent gearbox. There's one more thing I wouldn't waste a line on, but I just can't.

This lead is the biggest disadvantage of RCZ. Driving in the city is quite normal. Driving even faster on the road gives us good steering feel. But this Peugeot was created not only for such trips. When you buy it, you would like to have 100% fun on desert, flat and twisty roads, which, unfortunately, the RCZ does not provide. Yes, this is not tragic, but the last “yes” is missing from the presenter. Sitting behind the wheel of it, at this moment I just want to scream - “why, why, why did you do so much work ?!” There is no such accuracy, there is no way to go to the last base that guarantees complete execution. I feel annoying hunger.

Despite the not very positive previous point, Peugeot RCZ deserves the most positive assessment. This is a great car that is a lot of fun to drive around the city and beyond. It captures the heart and gives us goosebumps every time we get close to it. It seduces passers-by with its design and gives the driver a sense of uniqueness. It's also quite practical, economical, and looking at the competition's prices, not terribly expensive. Golden mean? With better cornering behavior - definitely yes.

Something I liked:

+ great style

+ good performance

+ great driving pleasure

However, there was one thing I didn't like:

- not quite precise steering

– small adjustment range of the front seats