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Diesel coupé clash

Diesel coupé clash

Peugeot’s new diesel RCZ coupé promises strong pace and economy on top of its good looks. Can it beat its VW rival?

Diesel coupé clash

June 2010

It has been a long time since diesel engines were reserved for the least exciting models in a manufacturer’s line-up. Advances in technology mean powerful and refined oil-burners are now found in everything from hot hatches to luxury saloons. Even sleek and sophisticated coupés are being fitted with the ultra-efficient units.

Peugeot’s stunning RCZ is a prime example. The two-door is the hottest property on the market right now, and looks as though it has driven straight off a designer’s sketch pad. Petrol versions have already proven the equal of the best in the business, including the desirable Audi TT.

But how will it fare with the gutsy 2.0-litre HDi? Here we test the £24,550 GT flagship.

If you’re considering a diesel coupé, then running costs and versatility are likely to share equal billing with style on your shopping list – and that’s where the VW Scirocco scores. The distinctive three-door is a big favourite at Auto Express, blending engaging driving dynamics with surprising versatility and strong performance.

Fitted with the DSG gearbox, it weighs in at £24,775. So, which one of our contenders will disappear into the distance clutching the silverware?

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Scirocco visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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7 Comments

Chalk & Cheese...

This comparison test is invalid in my opinion. As I've commented elsewhere, I'm not a fan of the Scirocco, I think it looks too much like a squashed hatchback, which it effectively is. Granted, in the practicality stakes, the VW has it all over the RCZ, but surely that's not the point?

I'm not blaming AE here, in fact Peugeot are probably more to blame for not marketing the RCZ correctly. They should've had the courage to install a mind-blowing interior to match the external styling and then upped the price a little. I'm certain a small price hike wouldn't affect sales at all if this were the case.
I'm hoping Peugeot are also looking into a 4WD system for the RCZ coupled with 2 litre Turbo and naturally aspirated motors for the future. It could be marketed as a genuine and affordable sports car in that case, much along the same lines as the Audi TT.

My last comment is aimed squarely at Peugeots engineers: Why oh why haven't you developed a refined and sporty diesel motor for this car? It would've be better not to fit a diesel powerplant per se, rather than use your agricultural 2.0L HDi

By sgtgrash on 10 June, 2010, 2:25pm

It Depends who's paying!

Actually I think it's a pretty fair comparison (unlike sgtgrash above).

Similar price, similar power output, two door sports coupe etc. The Peugeot might be pretty - and I had a look at one to day - but if I were paying nigh on £25K of my hard-earned it would be the VW anytime (and the DSG's a clincher here allied with a diesel powerplant).

Build, residuals, solidity and probably reliability (time will tell on the last one). I place a fair bet that over three years the VW will have cost you considerably less. If however you love the looks of the Peugeot and the company's picking up the tab, well thats a different story. As a run a Golf GTI Mk V I'd still pick the VW anyway!

By thorntonjames on 10 June, 2010, 4:11pm

Not a fan of the Diesel

I've driven the Diesel RCZ and agree with this review, personally I wouldn't recommend the diesel RCZ to anyone as the petrol models are much better to drive.

For anyone interested i've started an RCZ owners club that you can join at http://www.rczoc.com

By PUG_RCZ on 11 June, 2010, 12:22pm

Put my order in and cannot wait!

Well I thought about the VW and then saw the RCZ. That was it I know I would always regret not getting something so stylish whist my daughter is small enough to fit. I have driven both the 156 petrol and the 163 diesel and, to be fair I'm no test driver, but unless you are a racing type either would do for a day to day drive. In the past I have had a Evo 8 and if you want to drive fast get those types of vehicles not just warm engined run of the mill cars. If you want style get the RCZ as there is nothing else out there for the money. Oh and a couple of things:
The dash has a leather effect as standard, the leather option makes it real leather and looks very similar so despite all the reviewers griping about the interior perhaps they should get their facts right from the start.
The waiting list for my car is 15 weeks, delivery in September, so it's going to be rare and hopefully hold it's value well.

By jacky67 on 13 June, 2010, 2:56pm

Put my order in and cannot wait!

Well I thought about the VW and then saw the RCZ. That was it I know I would always regret not getting something so stylish whist my daughter is small enough to fit. I have driven both the 156 petrol and the 163 diesel and, to be fair I'm no test driver, but unless you are a racing type either would do for a day to day drive. In the past I have had a Evo 8 and if you want to drive fast get those types of vehicles not just warm engined run of the mill cars. If you want style get the RCZ as there is nothing else out there for the money. Oh and a couple of things:
The dash has a leather effect as standard, the leather option makes it real leather and looks very similar so despite all the reviewers griping about the interior perhaps they should get their facts right from the start.
The waiting list for my car is 15 weeks, delivery in September, so it's going to be rare and hopefully hold it's value well.

By jacky67 on 13 June, 2010, 2:59pm

Put my order in and cannot wait!

Well I thought about the VW and then saw the RCZ. That was it I know I would always regret not getting something so stylish whist my daughter is small enough to fit. I have driven both the 156 petrol and the 163 diesel and, to be fair I'm no test driver, but unless you are a racing type either would do for a day to day drive. In the past I have had a Evo 8 and if you want to drive fast get those types of vehicles not just warm engined run of the mill cars. If you want style get the RCZ as there is nothing else out there for the money. Oh and a couple of things:
The dash has a leather effect as standard, the leather option makes it real leather and looks very similar so despite all the reviewers griping about the interior perhaps they should get their facts right from the start.
The waiting list for my car is 15 weeks, delivery in September, so it's going to be rare and hopefully hold it's value well.

By jacky67 on 13 June, 2010, 3:00pm

hmm...

Seems that as the VAG group, and their advertising budget, has grown they tend to win more and more of these tests....

By theos on 26 June, 2010, 8:46am

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Full Car Reviews

Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI (170)

Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI (170)

German challenger is quicker, more practical and sounds great, too
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Diesel engine adds decent economy to coupé’s catwalk looks
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

For many coupé buyers, only one thing matters: style. Practicality, performance and running costs will all take a back seat for a car that cuts a dash on the high street.

The Peugeot fits the bill if this is what you want. It’s stunning, and makes a huge visual impact. Better still, it delivers strong performance and sharp driving dynamics.

And given the amount of kit included as standard, the RCZ represents decent value, too. But it’s let down by the compromised cabin, stiff ride and gruff diesel engine.

That means the VW takes a narrow victory. In oil-burning form, it’s very nearly a coupé without compromise. Stylish, fast and versatile, it promises to be a tantalising ownership prospect. Add a few options, and the price soon rises, but the beautifully built Scirocco feels as if it’s worth every penny.

1. Volkswagen Scirocco TDI
Verdicts don’t get closer than this, with the Scirocco edging a narrow win. It can’t match the RCZ’s looks, but it still turns heads – especially in our test car’s metallic finish. The sporty diesel engine delivers hot hatch pace, while the poised chassis serves up driving thrills. Plus, the car is surprisingly practical and solidly built.

2. Peugeot RCZ
The RCZ represents a real return to form for Peugeot. In top-spec petrol trim, it’s a match for the class leaders. Bold looks and agile handling make it a tempting proposition, but that appeal is dimmed when fitted with a diesel engine, as it’s short on refinement and comfort.

 
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