Peugeot RCZ HDi

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Pete Gibson

May 2010

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• Latest deal price: from £18,478 to £22,338

Concept car looks and 50mpg – the diesel-engined RCZ claims to offer the best of both worlds. We were impressed by the entry-level petrol version of Peugeot’s Audi TT rival in our Issue 1,113 first drive, but now we’ve got behind the wheel of the 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi model. How does it stack up?

It gets off to a flying start, as the smooth engine has a wide range of talents. It performs strongly, with 0-62mph in less than nine seconds and plenty of flexibility for overtaking.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Peugeot RCZ

The extra weight the HDi puts over the nose means this model doesn’t handle quite as well as the petrol RCZ, but most drivers will put up with this for the benefit of the 53.2mpg fuel economy and 132g/km CO2 emissions. The latter means a £110 tax bill. Plus, the HDi is a relaxed motorway cruiser.

What’s more, the chassis still offers lots of fun. The car is grippy and engaging through corners, yet despite the big 18-inch alloys, remains refined and comfortable over even rutted road surfaces.

The boot is surprisingly big, and while the rear seats are only really for small children, most owners will forgive this because of the way the RCZ looks. It all adds up to a genuinely different and very desirable coupé that won’t cost the earth to run.