Frankfurt Motor Show 2009: Peugeot RCZ coupéPeugeot reveals its bargain-priced Audi TT rival
19 August 2009
Peugeot RCZ will be at Frankfurt Motor Show
After teasing us with partial images last month, Peugeot has finally completely unveiled its brand new RCZ coupé. It debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and looks fantastic.
The dramatic styling of the Peugeot RCZ coupé is almost identical to the 308 RC Z Concept show car that starred at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is remarkable, especially when you consider that the production RCZ has kept the concept’s ‘double-bubble’ roof and heavily contoured rear window.
Turbo power for RCZ
Top of the range is a 200bhp version of the 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine. This is a new development for Peugeot, but similar to the engine that powers the Mini Cooper S Works. The 0-62mph dash takes 7.6 seconds, while official reports claim average fuel economy of 39.8mpg and CO2 emissions 'under 165g/km'.
A 156bhp version of the 1.6 turbo will also be offered, returning 40.9mpg and emitting 159g/km. Greenest of all, however, is the 163bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, averaging 52.3mpg and emitting just 139g/km.
Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard all round, with a six-speed automatic version of the 156bhp petrol model set to join the range later.
RCZ based on Peugeot 308
RCZ's shapely double-bubble roof looks great
Although it's based on the same underlying platform as the Peugeot 308, the French company is promising the RCZ’s unique suspension settings will take ‘the notion of driving enjoyment to a new level within the Peugeot range.’
Large brakes, a two-position active rear spoiler, and a state-of-the art stability and traction control system should ensure that the RCZ can be exploited safely.
As a 2+2 coupé, the RCZ features figure-hugging sports seats in the front with a pair of occasional seats suitable for children or short journeys behind. These fold flat to provide additional luggage space as required. Material quality should be very high.
Plenty of personalisation for Peugeot RCZ
The RCZ will also offer customers a substantial number of personalisation options - including a real carbon fibre roof and various bodywork, trim and alloy wheel finishes.
We don’t know yet is how much it will cost, but expect it to undercut the Audi TT, which currently starts at £24,625 for the 2.0-litre turbo Coupé (or £23,145 for the 1.8-litre turbo Roadster).
The Peugeot RCZ is on sale early in 2010. We'll bring more details when we cover the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
If you're thinking of visiting the show, head over to the official motor show website: http://www.iaa.de/
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