Not since the run-up to Audi’s TT over a decade ago have I witnessed such enthusiasm for a mid-market coupe. Everyone who saw pictures of Peugeot’s RCZ was bowled over by it and I can confirm it’s just as pretty in the flesh.
From the Le Mans-inspired double bubble roof with shaped rear window to those aluminium rails (manufactured in the UK), and little details like the self-raising rear spoiler and updated Peugeot Lion badge (the marque is currently celebrating its 200th birthday) it all adds up to a taut, exciting little package.
Prices start at £20,450, rising to £25,050 for the 200bhp GT THP 200.
So while it’s being widely touted as a rival for Audi’s uber-successful TT, it’s actually around £6000 cheaper.
There are three engines to choose from a 1.6 litre, 156bhp turbocharged petrol unit (information in the Facts box is for this engine in mid-level Sport trim); a 2.0 litre, 163bhp turbodiesel which returns 53.3mpg; and a 1.6 turbo petrol with 200bhp, which will form the pinnacle of the range when it arrives in August.
I drove the diesel and the lower-powered of the petrols, and came away impressed by both. They are well below 10 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and both provide decent economy.
Ordinarily I lean towards diesels these days, but the petrol unit is extremely smooth and the turbocharger means there’s enough low-range power to make good progress without having to rev the engine like a boy racer.
While not as economical as the diesel, it returns figures comfortably the right side of 40mpg.
Inside is where the RCZ gets slightly disappointing.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s well laid out and there are decent levels of standard equipment.
However, it’s not that dissimilar to a 308 hatchback, and feels awfully conventional after the striking impact made by the car’s exterior.
On the road, it’s a very decent drive as long as you don’t tick the box for the optional 19-inch wheels, which have a disastrous effect on the ride and make it bounce all over the place.
Opt for the smaller wheels and it rides comfortably while gripping well through the corners.
It’s not quite as dynamic as the TT, but again, it’s a lot cheaper.
My only real bugbear was that sloping roofline, which creates a letterbox-style windscreen that restricts taller drivers’ line of sight. I found myself ducking down ever so slightly to get a clear field of vision.
Peugeot expects to sell around 17,000 RCZs a year, with 2500 of them coming to the UK, making it the second biggest market after France.
A third of those are already spoken for. I can’t imagine it’ll be long before the rest are snapped up.
Price: around £22,750.0-62mph: 8.3 seconds.Top speed: 133mph.Economy: 42.1mpg.CO2 emissions: 155g/km.