The Peugeot RCZ is a compact sports car produced by French automaker Peugeot from 2010 to 2015. It was designed as a coupé version of the Peugeot 308 hatchback and was intended to be a stylish, high-performance variant of the popular model.
Design and Features
The RCZ has a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a sloping roofline and a rear spoiler that gives it a distinctive look. The car's dimensions are: length - 4,265 mm (167.5 in), width - 1,824 mm (71.8 in), height - 1,415 mm (55.7 in) and wheelbase - 2,620 mm (103.1 in). The interior features a range of premium materials, including leather and Alcantara, as well as a range of advanced infotainment systems.
Powertrain
The RCZ was available with a range of petrol engines, including the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged unit that produced 156 bhp (116 kW) and 240 Nm of torque. A more powerful version, known as the RCZ R, featured a 1.6-litre THP engine that produced 270 bhp (200 kW) and 260 Nm of torque. The car's transmission options included a 5-speed manual gearbox and an automatic EAT6 dual-clutch unit.
Performance
The Peugeot RCZ has impressive performance credentials, with the THP model capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 7.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph (240 km/h). The car's handling and cornering abilities are also highly praised, thanks to its precise steering and responsive brakes.
Safety Features
The Peugeot RCZ features a range of advanced safety features, including six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control. In 2013, the car was upgraded with new safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems.
Variants
Over the course of its production run, several variants of the Peugeot RCZ were released, including:
- The standard RCZ model, which was available in a range of trim levels, including Access, Active and GT Line.
- The high-performance RCZ R model, which featured a more powerful engine and a range of unique styling features.
- A limited-edition model known as the RCZ 1.6 VTi 155, which celebrated the car's 100th anniversary.
Production and Discontinuation
The Peugeot RCZ was first revealed in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale in Europe later that year. Production of the car continued until 2015, when it was replaced by the new Peugeot 508 Coupe. Over its production run, the RCZ sold over 140,000 units worldwide.
