Nobody ever denied Peugeot the satisfaction of hearing that they have done a great job styling the RCZ. However, it seems that their standards for driving dynamics have sunk so low in recent years, that when all is said and done, it still just drives like a stiffened up 308 hatch.
The steering is inert, and if you go for the diesel (not really recommended on this car), the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) will dull the throttle response so much, that coupled with a bit of turbo lag, the only real engine option you are left for is the top 1.6 turbo petrol.
Now, the Italian marketing arm of Peugeot has released a new promo video for the RCZ, in which it is raced against a downhill mountain biker – no, the idea is not from every other TV show. The car is driven by Paolo Andreucci, who is a five-time Italian Rally champ, and despite him pulling the handbrake and taking a few corners a bit quick, the footage is not really that exciting.
What will keep being exciting is the look of the car, and especially while it is in motion (and in a nice color). Sure, it’s not the fastest in a straight line or around the corners for that matter, but it is currently one of the prettiest front-wheel drive cars you can buy, and plus it’s not really that expensive considering just how many heads you do turn in one of these.
Peugeot can still get it right, though, if and when they launch the RCZ R, which gets 260 hp, uprated suspension and a Torsten limited slip diff for the front wheels to cope with the extra power, and launch the car out of corners.
By Andrei Nedelea
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