Inside Peugeot TT beater

Take a look inside the Lion’s new pride! Auto Express has been given exclusive access to one of the most eagerly anticipated cars Peugeot has ever built: the new RC Z.

Key to the interior’s design is the distinctive sloping central console. Eye-catching chrome-cased vents and a stylish back-lit clock complete a shape that wouldn’t look out of place in an Audi TT.

The driver is also surrounded by soft leather trim, which matches the figure-hugging bucket seats.

These continue the sporty feel of the exterior, first pictures of which we brought you before. The newcomer features 18-inch alloys as standard, with the option of 19-inch rims.

There’s also a distinctive double bubble roof, as well as an electrically operated rear wing.

Peugeot says it has big plans for pricing when the car goes on sale early next year, with even the flagship 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged model costing less than £20,000.

Buyers can look forward to something special on the road, too. The RC Z tips the scales at only 1,280kg, and promises to satisfy even the most demanding drivers.

But the story won’t end there –the French manufacturer is also working flat-out to ensure the new 2+2 coupé is the most fuel-efficient model in its class, with a hybrid edition.

The eco car will be called the RC Z HYbrid4, and will make its world debut alongside conventionally fuelled models at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

It’s fitted with the same engine and gearbox that will feature in the near-100mpg 3008 HYbrid4, and is due for launch as early as 2012.

With a diesel engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor spinning the rears, the all-wheel-drive car promises to emit 95g/km of CO2 – making it an early favourite in the green revolution among high-performance cars.