Peugeot South Africa has released a diesel-powered version of their RCZ sports coupe. Joining the two 1.6-litre petrol-powered models, the new 2.0 HDi derivative brings both cruising comfort and extra low-down torque the RCZ range.
Using the same turbo-diesel engine employed in other Peugeot models and coupled to a precise 6-speed manual gearbox, the new RCZ diesel brings new appeal to the cheeky sportscar. With a generous 120kW and 340Nm on tap from the bottom of the rev range, RCZ hasn’t lost much in the way of performance, with the 0-100km/h dash taking just 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 220km/h.
And let’s not forget that Peugeot’s diesel technology has been developed and refined in the toughest testing ground out there – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.3-litres/100km with carbon emissions of just 139g/km – both strikingly low figures for a performance-orientated car like the RCZ.
The RCZ has proven to be immediately popular for Peugeot all over the world and South Africa has actually suffered from stock shortages due to the demand in Europe. It’s no surprise though, with the RCZ already having been awarded titles including the world’s most beautiful car of the year and the “Coupe of the Year” title from the UK’s biggest motoring title. Peugeot South Africa’s Jean Francois Bacos says that sufficient stock has been allocated for the country now, which means RCZ sales should pick up especially with the addition of this new HDi.
RCZ’s styling is far more than just a front to a familiar Peugeot face though and, with tailored suspension and a very wide stance, the RCZ handles and drives like a sports car should. Couple that to the luxurious and sporty interior, with leather from head to toe and fantastic sports bucket seats, one really can enjoy the car like it should be driven. Continuously variable rack and pinion steering also ensures driver involvement and communication with the car.
On the safety side the usual acronymic additives are present including ABS (anti-lock brakes), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), EBA (emergency brake assist), ESP (electronic stability programme), DSC (dynamic stability control) and Hill Assist. Front and side airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors are also on duty. In addition, standard features abound with all the luxuries one would expect of a luxury sports car. Highlights include directional xenon headlights with automatic activation.
Price wise the new RCZ 2.0 HDi builds on the value for money factor imparted by its petrol-powered siblings and at R366 500 it sits firmly between the automatic and manual 1.6 THP versions. A 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/100 000km full maintenance plan are included in the price.
Brent Ellis
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