After making a brief appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007 as a concept car, the RCZ Sports Coupe from Peugeot was eventually launched commercially at the same venue in 2009. The RCZ was released for sale eventually in 2010, and has gone on to become bit of an icon as well as a very popular model for the French auto giant, being sold successfully throughout the world. Of course, it only takes one glance to understand why; the car is stunning. Its exquisitely unique body shape, twin bubble roof and integral large rear window are complemented by oversized headlights and super-sized wheel arches. When you walk around the vehicle to the back, you notice an extended boot and matching wheel arches, which are topped off with aluminum strips and outstanding 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe takes its power from a choice of three engines, the first one being a THP 1.6-liter petrol engine that delivers 156 horsepower. Next, there is a THP 200 petrol engine that is motivated by 200 horsepower and lastly, an HDi 163 diesel manual produces 163 horsepower. There is a manual and automatic transmission available on the RCZ Sports Coupe.
The RCZ Coupe comes with Macpherson strut suspension for the front and torsion beam suspension for the rear backed up by a front and rear stabilizer bar which allows the car to hold its own, even on the poorest road surfaces. Not only does it deliver a smooth ride, handling is fantastic. This is a car that you will get in and find yourself going out of the way to find the long, winding road to get lost on.
The Peugeot RCZ sits low on the road and has a fairly substantial footprint for a sports coupe at 168.8 inches long and 72.6 inches wide with maximum headroom of around 53.5 inches. Front seat leg space is more than adequate while back seat passengers may find things a little tight, especially on longer journeys. Still, for being a sports car, this one actually has a backseat you can get some use out of. What is even better is that trunk space is surprisingly generous at 46.2 cubic feet, and is also easily accessed, thanks to the way that the rear hatch springs open in stages, leaving a large clear flat floor area.
There are also plenty of safety features that come standard, such as antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assist, tire pressure monitoring, ultrasonic alarm and self-leveling headlamps.