Test drive Peugeot RCZ
Not only in terms of design, but also in terms of the design of the lineup. Other niche vehicles will join the RCZ, Peugeot said. So it is for folk numbers with zeros in the middle, for special names or abbreviations. And of course a fresh look.
The design of the RCZ is virtually indistinguishable from the concept car that was unveiled (long ago) at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Even then, he indicated the direction in which Peugeot's design would develop in the future, and the production RCZ only confirms this.
Of course, the fact that the RCZ is something special among Peugeot does not mean that it is so special technically. Built on platform 2, i.e. on the basis of which 308, 3008 and others were also formed. Not bad, it's mostly well thought out mechanics that can be well adapted to the requirements of individual models.
Thus, the RCZ has an individual suspension at the front and a semi-rigid axle at the rear, which are of course adapted to the more sporty role played by the RCZ. That's why Peugeot engineers have beefed up the front suspension parts and reinforced the suspension, collectively making it more focused on sporty responsiveness than comfort.
Peugeot, especially compact and sporty, has always had a great compromise between the two, and this time it was no exception.
In fact they two chassis are available: classic and sporty. The first is quite tough, it feels sporty, the car is responsive and dynamic when cornering, while soft enough for everyday use on normal roads, the second, at least from the point of view of everyday use, is too tough.
Of course, we will only be able to make a final verdict when we get the RCZ to test, but on first impression, we can write that the stock chassis is the best choice.
At the start of sales, we will have it in June.The RCZ will be available with two engines. The 1-liter petrol THP is capable of developing 6 kilowatts or 115 horsepower, while the two-liter HDi is seven more horsepower. We weren't able to test the weaker petrol, so Peugeot brought pre-production RCZs to the presentation with a more powerful, 156-horsepower version of the 200 THP engine.
They added a sports package to it (stronger chassis, smaller sports steering wheel and larger wheels) and the engine turned out to be great. The turbocharger with Twin Scroll technology (two exhaust ports) is responsive, the engine is flexible and loves to spin.
In Peugeot they also played with sound: the additional diaphragm and the hose leading to the passenger compartment provide (during acceleration) a sporty, rather loud sound, which at high speeds may become superfluous for many.
In a weaker version, this system will be optional, which is the best solution. And taking into account the prices (more about them below), the most suitable version turns out to be the base THP with a serial chassis.
The two-liter diesel, which was the second model that we had the opportunity to drive through the wet, almost snow-covered northern hills of Spain, runs quietly, comfortably, but when cornering, the diesel is known to be much heavier in the nose. than gasoline. The engineers also had to tweak the suspension parameters to match this, with the result that the steering wheel became slightly less precise and the position became less mobile.
on the road.
ESP can be completely deactivated, and a movable spoiler integrated into the boot lid also maintains a good position at high speeds. At speeds up to 85 kilometers per hour, it is hidden, above which it rises by 19 degrees to improve aerodynamics and, therefore, reduce fuel consumption.
Above 155 km / h (or manually, if the driver wishes), his angle is increased to 35 degrees, and then he takes care of the stability of the rear end at high speeds.
You'll also be able to order a more powerful petrol engine in June, but they'll start shipping it just under two months later (along with the automatic transmission for the weaker THP) and it'll cost the same as the diesel. model - 29 and a half thousand.
The weaker THP is three-thousandths cheaper, and the only thing it lacks is a smaller, sportier steering wheel - the standard one is too big and doesn't feel like such a compact coupe.
On the inside, the design of the RCZ is very similar to the 308CC, which is not a bad thing. The rear, truly emergency seats (which are even more suitable for carrying small items of luggage) can be folded down, and the already spacious luggage compartment can be enlarged.
The exterior suggests a retractable hardtop might be added to it sometime in the future, but Peugeot insists they're not going to make coupe-convertible versions of the RCZ (they are announcing a hybrid).
It's a shame RCZ CC (or maybe RCCZ) sounds fine. ...
Dusan Lukic, photo: factory
